THREE lucky teddy bears were chosen as the best dressed out of hundreds at this year's annual picnic in Bicester.

Families flooded Garth Park last Wednesday accompanied by their cuddly companions for the annual town teddy bear's picnic.

During the day mayor Sean Gaul, his wife Louise and their son Miles were given the hard task of judging the Best Dressed Teddy contest and choosing three overall winners.

Taking the top spot was Evie Davies-Hogg with her soft toy octopus, with the runners-up Nadia Rudzinska in second place and Ellie Hentherington in third.

Mrs Gaul said: "It was a surprisingly difficult task given the fact that all the teddy bears and soft toys were lovely, and personal to each child.

"All the children looked very proud of their efforts in getting their teddy bears prepared and dressed in some fantastic costumes, we saw an astronaut, a choir singer, various princess teddy bears and there was even a teddy who was around 3ft tall and bigger than its owner.

"In the end we gave first prize to a cuddly octopus who had been lovingly dressed up. Our son Miles, who is soon to turn four, absolutely loves octopus which was what led us to the decision."

Mr Gaul added: "The day was great and much busier than it has been in previous years which is testament to the fact the Bicester people are very fond of their annual teddy bears picnic.

"For my part, I am very grateful to the hard-working Bicester Town Council team for their unrelenting efforts to provide us all with great events all year round."