DESPITE wet weather a teddy bear’s picnic held in Pontypool Park was deemed a success yesterday with over 100 people joining in the fun.

Pontypool Neighbourhood Team organised the event to encourage residents to look out for each other and help prevent crime in their community.

Community Support Officer Pauline Lohfink, who was behind it said: “The idea was to bring communities together, have some fun, and also give residents a chance to chat to us about any issues in their neighbourhood and find out more about the OWL system.

“It was a great success despite the rainy downpours. We’d like to thank everyone for coming along and making it a special day. We all enjoyed it and hope everyone else did too.”

There were lots of activities including teddy bear mask making, story time, mini police officer dress up and children took the opportunity to soak a copper in the stocks.

Children also enjoyed face painting, loom band making and more.

Officers were also signing residents up to the Online Watch Link (OWL) which works as an electronic neighbourhood watch.

Assistant Chief Constable, Lorraine Bottomley, who is responsible for neighbourhood policing in Gwent, called to the event.

She added: “40,000 households are now signed up to the Online Watch Link (OWL) system in Gwent, and are receiving really valuable updates about crime prevention and police news from their Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Neighbourhood Watches.”

Gwent's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Paul Harris, also attended, and he posted a picture on Twitter adding “great fun had by all concerned".

People took the opportunity to enjoy a picnic, while the arts and crafts were a big hit with children.

All funds raised will be donated to local charity Torfaen Women’s Aid, but the total is still being counted.