Heavy rain did little to dampen spirits at this year’s International Teddy Bear Freefall competition, which saw more than £4,000 raised for the Pidley Mountain Rescue Team.

Organisers got creative after bad weather scuppered plans to launch the stuffed toys out of a plane, with children throwing them into the air instead.

Sheltering in the barn on Rookery Farm, in Pidley, spectators watched as the winning teddy, sponsored by Stroud Hill Park, took home the first prize.

Other sponsors included Atacanter, Hockeys, Premier Plus, and Thames Laboratories, with guests enjoying a steady supply of sausages, bacon, tea, coffee and soft drinks while the rain came down.

Youngsters also got the chance to play Splat the Rat, SuperTed Shooter, and muck about in soft play areas, while the Somersham Town Band took to the stage plus karate displays and best dressed teddy competition.

Other guests included Huntingdon Young Farmers, Somersham and Pidley Timebank and Magpas, who had displays up for visitors, as did Grafham Sailability and the Upside Down Club.

Organisers say they are very grateful to all those who donated, with special thanks given to Move with Us in St Ives who gave more than £800.

The money will go straight to the rescue team, which provides equipment for disabled children and adults, such as wheelchairs, scooters, and computer software.