DARING teddy bears took to the skies during an annual event which raises money for a village church.

The brave bears took the plunge from the top of Brantham’s St Michael’s Church tower donning a parachute designed by their ‘trainer’.

Their descent was timed and the bear which managed to stay airborne the longest was crowned the winner on Saturday, September 4.

Each bear was allowed multiple jumps to try and beat their existing time, with parachute alterations and repairs allowed between jumps.

Colchester and Clacton Solicitors Thompson Smith and Puxon sponsored the fun annual event which very well supported on the day, raising £785 for the church.

The aptly named ‘Ted’ was crowned top-flyer with an impressive flight time of 46.9 seconds, followed closely by ‘Thunderduck’ with a time of 42.7 seconds and ‘Monkey’ flying into third place with a time of 41.4 seconds.