TEDDY bears will be taking a tumble at a special fund-raising event in West Stafford.

St Andrew's Church annual Teddy Bear Parachute Jump takes place on Saturday August 20 from 4pm.

There will be a prize for the bear that stays aloft for the longest time, a bear clinic for a health check after the descent, a guess the name of the bear competition, a toy stall and refreshments.

People are invited to bring their own teddy bear's picnic to enjoy.

Last year more than 30 bears parachuted from the top of St Andrew’s Church tower.

Entries have included not only children but grandparents entering for their grandchildren, and adults entering for the fun of it.

There is a simple parachute design available in advance, or you can exercise your own ingenuity and inventiveness.

You can buy bear tickets from the churchwardens or any church member. A bear entry is £3 with reduced bear family rates - two bears for £5 and three bears for £6. Tickets on the day are £3.50 per bear. The minimum bear weight (without parachute) is 100 grammes.

If your teddy can’t 'bear' the idea, you can hire a teddy for £1 booked in advance.

The proceeds this year will go to the church maintenance fund.