Grey skies did not dampen the spirits as families turned out to Radipole Gardens for a day of teddy-themed fun.

The Friends of Radipole Park and Gardens were joined by Weymouth and Portland mayor, Gill Taylor when they hosted their annual Teddy Bears Picnic on Saturday.

The friends organised an array of teddy-themed activities including ‘the mystery of the hidden rocks alphabet’ treasure hunt, which saw children search the gardens for clues and win prizes.

Friends chair Mike Goulden said despite the less than perfect weather the day was ‘fabulous’.

“We love days like this. It’s lovely to see children running around in the garden. They are so excited and it’s that enthusiasm that gives you the passion later in life to keep the gardens nice for everyone,” Mr Goulden said.

Weymouth and Portland Mayor, councillor Gill Taylor was on hand to promote the ‘Mayor’s Bears’ - an initiative which raises funds for the Mayor’s chosen charities, the Lantern Trust and the Dorset Domestic Abuse Welfare Committee.

The ‘Let’s Make It’ craft group have already made hundreds of the small knitted bears which people can purchase for a small donation.

Cllr Taylor said she then challenged people to take their bears wherever they go and send in pictures to her Facebook page of the cute teddies on their travels.

“I’ve already had bears in Bruges and St Lucia. A bear even went on a safeguarding course yesterday,” she said.

Speaking about the picnic, Cllr Taylor said the day had been lovely and although they could do with slightly better weather, the children were ‘loving it’.

Linda and Jeff Martin attended the picnic with their 19-month-old twins, Holly and Poppy.

“We come to the park regularly so we just wanted to join in and have some fun,” Linda said. “I think it’s really good that they are always doing something in the park and everyone is so friendly.”

She added she thought it was good the Friends of Radipole Park and Gardens had displayed their future plans for the green space during the event.

“It’s good to see what’s happening and their aims for the park and that they are keeping people up to date,” she said.

The Friends have successfully made it through the first stage of a lottery funding bid to improve the park.

Mr Goulden said as well as preparing for the next stage of the bid, the Friends’ immediate plan was to develop a sensory garden.

He added the garden would have an emphasis on mental health and would provide visitors with a quiet place for peaceful reflection.