Teddies take to zip wire to raise funds for church

Churchwarden Helen Jones said she had "great fun" organising event in Lincoln

A zip wire for teddy bears is being set up inside a 12th Century church to raise money for building repairs.

The one-day event will allow people to send cuddly toys down an aerial slide set up in the St Mary Magdalene church in Lincoln.

The cable will take stuffed animals on a high speed journey from the organ loft to the doorway of the church.

Helen Jones, one of the churchwardens, said "it's been great fun" organising the event.

BBC Radio Lincolnshire rigged up a dry run with a washing line before the event on Saturday

Ms Jones said: "It's been tremendous, if ever I'm awake at night it's thinking about teddies going down zip wires, sometimes I can't get back to sleep I'm laughing so much."

She said it was being arranged "to bring people in, let them see what a lovely church we have here but also raise money for much needed repairs".

Repairs include new lighting to make the building - which is next door to Lincoln Cathedral - more visible.

• BBC Sounds: Lincoln church holds teddy bear zip wire event

The event will see the church "totally transformed" Ms Jones said.

A "magic walkway with fairy lights" will lead to a basket for the cuddly toy, which will be hoisted into the organ loft.

There will then be a short pause with a countdown before ted is sent zooming across the nave.

The event happens from 10:00 BST on 20 July, and those without bears to hand will be able to "rent-a-ted".

St Mary Magdalene Church is on the corner in front of Lincoln Cathedral

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