A PLAYGROUP mascot from a North Yorkshire village is all set to travel the world.

Ouseburn Playgroup launched its new mascot at the group's first Easter fair at Little Ouseburn village hall on Saturday.

The tiny teddy bear mascot was kept company by a giant daddy bear - 6ft 4in playgroup chairman Marshall Garrett, who dressed up to join in the fun.

A competition to name the mascot came up with the name Regis, as he set off on his first adventure to Lyme Regis in Dorset on the day of the fair.

Playgroup spokeswoman Louise Christie-Wild said: "As one of the longest-established playgroups in the area, we felt it was time to have our own mascot."

Regis is 7ins tall, and comes in a backpack. Each child who takes him on holiday will be asked to take a photograph for the group, whatever their location, from Bermuda to Blackpool.

Louise said: "A scrapbook will be kept of the mascot's travels, which in years to come will be an interesting and educational look at the present and future children of Ouseburn Playgroup."

Regis will continue his travels with trips to Florida and Antigua later in the year.

The fair on Saturday included lots of Easter fun, including Easter bonnet-making, chick races and an Easter egg auction, as well as tombola, cake and toy stalls, a raffle and treasure hunt.

Louise said: "It was a brilliant response to the fair, we broke all our records for fundraising, and we had a great time."

The final fundraising figure has yet to be announced, but it is thought to be almost £800.

The proceeds will provide playgroup equipment and small toys for imaginative play.

Updated: 08:24 Tuesday, April 08, 2003