Young Max Withyman and his giant teddy bear are helping to promote a safe sun message this summer.

Max posed with teddy bear Henry, the Marie Curie "Safe in the Sun" mascot, to tell people about a charity teddy bears' picnic at Knavesmire on Sunday, July 8.

Max's mum Liz is the Marie Curie support group leader who has organised the event and she is keen to use it to promote the message to young people of staying safe in the sun and protecting against skin cancers.

The picnic, aimed at the under-tens, will include a sponsored treasure hunt, colouring and word searches, face painting, a best-dressed teddy parade, bouncy castle and lots of games including toss teddy's welly and lucky dip.

Entry to the afternoon is free to all families who are taking part in the treasure hunt, otherwise a donation at the gate can be made. Liz, from the Nunnery Lane area of York, said: "Children need good protection from the harmful rays of the sun, and by encouraging them to take part in Henry's games we can teach them how to stay safe at the same time as supporting our local Marie Curie nurses."

Updated: 10:55 Wednesday, June 27, 2001