EVERYONE is being invited to what is set to be the biggest teddy bear picnic Essex has ever seen.

On July 16 children and their beloved bears are set to descend on the grounds of Stisted Hall, in Kings Lane, Stisted, to mark 16 successful years of charity Teddies for Loving Care (Tlc).

The charity was started by Essex Freemasons but has gone on to huge success around the globe.

Since Tlc started more than one million teddies have been given to traumatised children attending A+E units.

Tlc wants thousands of youngsters to turn up at Stisted Hall for a day of tea, cake, sweets and entertainment.

Rodney Bass, Provincial Grand Master for Essex, commented: “Tlc started in Essex and has been enormously successful helping thousands of children worldwide.

“As a flagship charity we wanted to mark its success with this special occasion which also helps celebrate 300 years of Freemasonry as well as illustrating the charitable nature of our Fraternity.”

“I hope we will see hundreds if not thousands of youngsters on July 16th together with their parents to help make this a day to remember. We intend to do everything we can to make this very special.”

Entrance is free of charge for children under 12 and £5 for adults.

Visit www.tlcappeal.org.