Teddies will parachute off church to raise money

The bears and other stuffed animals will be packed into a basket and winched to the top.

Hundreds of teddy bears are set to be parachuted from the top of a tower in order to raise money towards the up-keep of a 640-year-old church.

Scores of people are set to bring their stuffed animals to Holy Trinity Church, in Rayleigh, Essex, on Saturday, for the 70ft drop.

Each teddy will be sponsored for its journey.

Ian Gale, volunteer said the event has been taking place for about 15 years. He said the parachutes are hand-made by volunteers at the church and each year about £1,000 is raised.

The teddy bear parachutes have been taking place at the church for almost two decades

Mr Gale said the event runs every two or three years and has raised about £10,000 altogether.

He added: "It's a good family event and brings a lot of people to the church.

"People bring their much-loved teddy bears, providing the teddy bear is brave enough to jump."

He said there are many light-hearted teddy-bear related jokes and puns throughout the event.

The teddy bear parachute jump is set to go ahead at Holy Trinity Church Rayleigh in Essex on Saturday between 10:30 and 16:30 BST