It was a case of Ready, Teddy, Throw! at Thurlton, near Loddon, on Saturday as more than 70 toy bears were parachuted from the top of the village's church.

The 77 brave teddy bears took to the air and then descended by parachute after they were flung from the church in aid of the building and the Thurlton Pre-School.

One teddy bear managed to end up in a nearby tree and some of the toys were colourfully dressed up in a British and Royal theme.

It was the second Thurlton Church teddy bear parachute jump and it raised �540 - �80 more than last year's aerial fund-raiser.

As well as the teddy bears there was face painting, tombolas, games and craft stalls for the spectators watching the bears take to the air on Saturday afternoon from 2pm.

People paid �2 per teddy or �5 for three of more teddies for them to take part in the jump.

Catherine Ellis, fund-raising co-ordinator from the pre-school, said: 'It went really well. It was fantastic and surprising to raise more than last year, considering that the weather was not very good.

'We were very supported. I want to thank everyone who came and everyone who helped.'

The pre-school will use its half share of the �540 to buy IT equipment and toys.