TEDDY bear lovers from Bournemouth and Poole are being invited to help set a world record for the most teddies picnicking on the same day.

The national charity British Institute for Brain Injured Children (bibic), which supports families caring for children with conditions such as autism, Aspergers, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome and brain injury, is organising a series of teddy bear picnics across the country on July 9.

“The event is part of a week of bear-related fundraisers planned nationwide,” explained Geoff Cummins, bibic chief executive.

“The picnic can take place on the day and we’re hoping nurseries, mum and toddler groups, primary schools, families, individuals and even businesses will host an event.

“All we ask is people donate £1 each to bibic to take part and the organisers send us the money collected after the event.”

Teddy fans wishing to take part on the day are urged to contact the charity this month to register.

Mr Cummins said: “Anyone interested in being involved can contact us via telephone, email or social media to register and we will email them a fundraising pack full of ‘bear’ essentials on hosting an event including a template for creating your own teddy ears, pictures to colour in, posters and flyers and game ideas.”

He added: “We’re not aware of a similar event being held so we may well be setting a record for the most number of teddies picnicking at the same time.”

The record for the largest teddy bears’ picnic in one place was set at Dublin Zoo in 1995 and was attended by more than 33,500 bears and their owners.

Mr Cumins said: “That might be a bit ambitious for us this year, we are planning on making this an annual fundraiser for us and it would be great to beat the record at some time in the future at our flagship event venue.”

To sign up, call bibic on 01458 253344 or go to www.bibic.org.uk or search on Facebook or Twitter.