TODDLERS played their part in raising thousands of pounds for vulnerable people.

Newly released figures show tots from Tree House Nursery in Wanstead, St Paul’s Christian Playgroup in Woodford Green and Peter Pan’s Day Nursery in Barkingside raised nearly £1,500 for Barnardo’s in the Big Toddle 2017.

Peter Pan’s Day Nursery raised £719, Tree House Nursery £630 and St Paul’s £136. Two independently organised Big Toddles in Woodford Green generated a combined £222. The total amount raised across the country was £265,350.

Barnardo’s staff are urging parents, nurseries and schools to sign up again for 2018’ Big Toddle week, which takes place from June 18-24.

Lynn Gradwell, director of Barnardo’s in London, says: "I want to say a big thank you to everyone in Redbridge who helped make such a difference in 2017.

“The Big Toddle is a great opportunity for under-fives to have fun with friends and families and raise money to help disadvantaged children.

“East London is full of fantastic parks and green spaces so I hope local groups will embrace this year’s nature theme and get imaginative with fancy dress.

“Barnardo’s has some great resources to help everyone taking part, and by getting involved you can help us support vulnerable children, young people, parents and carers in London and beyond.”

The 2018 Big Toddle will be run in partnership with the CBeebies’ show Teletubbies and theme will be “nature”.