Daredevil teddy bears took a leap from the tower as part of a family fun day at St Mary the Virgin Church, St Neots.

The fearless toys, which were sponsored, took to the skies for a parachute jump on Saturday – earning a certificate of bravery once they were back on the ground. There was also a raffle, stalls to browse, and more.

The event raised £460, with 90 per cent going towards church maintenance and the remainder to a schools project in Zambia.

Reverend Doctor Paul Andrews said: “It was a great success. We fortunately didn’t get any thunder and lightning which was a great relief because the top of the tower would not be a very safe place for teddy bears or human beings.”

He added that, from the beginning of August, the church will be open from about 9am-6pm, five or six days per week.