ORGANISERS of the annual Pidley International Teddy Bear Freefall Competition said this year’s event was its most successful to date – and it raised an estimated £4,000.

Ten daredevil parachuting teddies, sponsored by local companies, jumped one-by-one from a plane over the village, each one focused on landing nearest to the winning pot of honey.

The event raises money for the Pidley Mountain Rescue Team, which supports disabled adults and children across Huntingdonshire.

The charity’s publicity officer, Ros Lloyd, said Saturday’s championship attracted more than 500 people.

She said: “We had more people than we have ever had before. We had a few different things happening this year.

“We had some planes doing an aerial display before the teddies jumped, which helped to keep everyone excited, and a new lady encouraging the teddies, Wendy Phillips, who did a great job.

“Hopefully, we will top our total from last year, which was around £3,500.”

The Somersham 1st Brownie Pack provided stretcher-bearer services and first-aid to the teddies and Mrs Lloyd thanked Cambridge Aero Club and host farmer Kelvin German, at Rookery Farm, for their contribution and help on the day.