A TEDDY bear hunt which attracted more than a hundred parents and children has raised vital funds for a cash-strapped charity.

The fundraiser at Oxleas Woods, Shooters Hill, last Sunday raised around £500 for Charlton Toy Library, which hires toys out to young families.

Mum Jo Redfern started using the toy library, based at Charlton House, after her daughter Eleanor, now two, was born.

Ms Redfern, 37, of Cleanthus Road, Shooters Hill, who organised the event, said: "The library means people don't have to spend lots of money for toddlers' toys they grow out of in three months."

The toy library, set up 25 years ago, used to receive funding from SureStart, the Government programme designed to ensure every child gets the best start in life, but this ran out last year.

It has now applied to Children in Need for a three-year grant.

Toy library manager Debbie Langley said: "We are strapped for funding. We had five staff last year and now we're down to two."

To find out more, visit the website charltontoylibrary.co.uk