Teddy Bear joyfor playgroup

The bears were donated by Benenden Hospital, in Cranbrook, Kent. Hundreds of the teddies were discovered at the hospital when an old, redundant building was emptied, as Benenden Hospital prepares the site for a £40 million redevelopment which is due to start next year.

The bears are old promotional stock. Benenden Hospital was rebranded at the beginning of 2013 with new colours and a new logo.

After making the discovery the hospital asked its staff and its Facebook followers to nominate good causes and organisations so that the bears could find new homes for Christmas. The hospital’s paediatrics department is also giving the bears to young patients.

As well as Rye Playgroup, the other organisations nominated included the Young Lives Foundation in Maidstone, Eastbourne Foodbank, Demelza Hospice Care for Children, Rolvenden Playgroup and Benenden Playgroup.

Rye Playgroup has turned a corner after a difficult year.

Last January it opened up a Nursery for children aged three months - two years at Tilling Green Community Centre but that had to close due to lack of demand.

The playgroup has a new dynamic team running it and last year resurrected the popular Duck Race fund-raiser which saw hundreds of yellow plastic ducks being released on the River Tillingham.

The event was followed by a successful fair at the playgroup’s Ferry Road building.

Rye Pre-School Playgroup, provides a friendly and stimulating environment for children between the ages of 2 to 5 years. All staff are qualified, caring and experienced. It is part of the Government’s free Early Learning Funding Scheme for 2 - 4 year olds.