If you go down to the woods today...you could win a great big prize!

This summer, Tommy's, the baby charity is calling for nursery children in your local area to pack up their favourite teddy bear and picnic blanket, and head down to their nearest Teddy Bear's Picnic, supported by Early Learning Centre.

Last year hundreds of nurseries and play groups took up the challenge to host the party to end all children's parties, with tons of fun teddy activities such as teddy bear treasure hunts, face painting and 'ginger-ted' biscuit making, all to raise money for the charity, which funds research into the causes of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth.

Getting involved couldn't be easier, simply register your nursery/toddler group or even your own child, to host an event on any date throughout July, August or September, and Tommy's will send you all the tools you need to make your picnic the best in town, including balloons, stickers, posters, leaflets and fun fundraising ideas to incorporate into your picnic.

In return, Tommy's asks that each child to take part makes a donation of £1, in the hope of raising a whopping £40,000 for the charity. This year £250 worth of Early Learning Centre Vouchers are up for grabs for the host of the party that raises the most sponsorship, as well as four runner up prizes of £100 vouchers - so all the more reason to come up with some exciting fundraising ideas!

Anyone who can't hold a Teddy Bear's Picnic of their own needn't fear, as willing picnickers can head down to their nearest Early Learning Centre, which will also be holding picnics in store on Tuesday August 21st. To find details of your nearest store log on to www.elc.co.uk.

Jane Broughton, Retail Marketing Manager for Early Learning Centre said, "We are all really excited to be on board with this year's Teddy Bear's Picnic. Tommy's has come up with a great idea which is simple and fun for big kids as well as little ones, yet also raises money for a fantastic cause. Let's hope we can make this year the best yet."

To further its support, throughout August, Early Learning Centre will also donate 50p to Tommy's from sales of specially selected toys - look in-store for details.

Children's soft play centre, Wacky Warehouse, will also be holding Teddy Bear's Picnics throughout the summer - see www.wackywarehouse.co.uk for sites taking part.

For more information or to register, log on to www.tommys.org/teddybearspicnic.