A teddy bear astronaut fell to earth near Dereham after capturing an amazing image of the curve of the planet from space.

The teddy, name Buddy, was launched into the stratosphere to commemorate the 25th anniversary of children's charity Rainbow Trust.

After starting his mission at Fetcham Village Infant School in Surrey, the 'astrobear' was safely recovered near the village of Shipdham.

The teddy's journey above the clouds was captured using video stills which show it in pitch black, with the curve of the earth visible in the background.

The stunt was created in association with Rainbow Trust, Knowledge to Action foundation, Cambridge Spaceflight, and mission controller Peter Cameron-Burnett.

Mr Cameron-Burnett said: 'We are so happy the weather held out and the launch was a success. It's great to be able to support Rainbow Trust in its 25th anniversary year and get some amazing shots of space.'

Rainbow Trust invited schools across the UK to hold a teddy or space-themed fundraising day earlier this year in order to be placed into a draw to win the opportunity to launch a toy away from the earth.

It marks a landmark year for the charity whose carers support almost 1,200 families of children battling a life threatening or terminal illness.

Alexa Follen of the Rainbow Trust said: 'We are incredibly grateful to Cambridge University Spaceflight for their assistance and especially to Peter Cameron-Burnett and team for their diligent and tireless work which made this space launch a reality.'