The tension was un-bear-able as an assorted range of teddies and other cuddly toys took part in a parachute jump to mark the launch of a fundraising appeal.

More than 40 teddies and their owners gathered at St Michael and All Angels Church in Little Horsted for the event.

Each toy was sponsored to take part in the jump, with all proceeds going to the church’s restoration fund.

The toys were fitted with mini home-made parachutes and taken up to the top of the church roof, where Canon Martin Onions threw them off one by one.

The gathered crowds applauded as each bear was launched from the parapet.

Canon Onions said: “I was so impressed with the effort that everyone had put into devising their bear’s parachute.

“We are launching our fundraising appeal for the restoration of the fabric of St Michael’s and I want to thank everyone who has made such a great effort.

“We want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved and this was a really fun and exciting way to get things going.”