YOUNGSTERS from Winkleigh Pre-School learned about vintage transport and helped raise funds for charity during a fun-filled Friday morning last week.

Twenty six of the pre-school's children took part in the 'Toddle Waddle' at Winkleigh Sports Centre to help raise funds for Barnardos.

The toddle waddle was part of a national event, the 'Big Toddle', organised by the children's charity. The UK's biggest annual charity event for under fives, up to half a million children have great fun with their friends taking part in a short sponsored walk.

All 26 children had to toddle around the centre's football pitch, and afterwards they each received a medal for their efforts.

The medals were handed out by Margaret Bridgeman from Winkleigh Mothers and Toddlers.

Margaret said: 'They've all got sponsor forms and they've got to walk right the way round the football pitch once or twice, whichever they want, to raise funds for Dr Barnardos.

'Mother and Toddlers and Winkleigh Pre-School are all doing this together and having a morning out, which is very nice. And it's staying dry at the moment!'

The children were driven up to the sports centre from the pre-school in a 1956 Guy Arab double decker bus. The bus ride was organised by the pre-school to tie in with their project on transport.

Trudy Saunders, in charge of the pre-school, said: 'The children are learning about transport at the moment, so this is great fun for them. They've been really excited all morning, and loved their bus ride.

'Next week we've got a dune buggy coming in for them to look at. Should be interesting!'

The bus ride was kindly given by the West of England Transport Collection, based at Winkleigh Airfield. The organisation, whose collection includes vintage fire engines, lorries, and tractors, have an open day on Sunday October 2, and also offer a free bus service through Winkleigh.

Having completed their toddle, the children enjoyed a morning of fun at the Winkleigh Sports Centre, which opened its doors especially for the pre-school.