Teddy bears in Rayne "risked life and limb" to raise money for the village church with a parachute jump.

Bears of all shapes and sizes parachuted from the top of All Saints Church tower on Sunday, September 5.

Every teddy taking part was awarded a medal of bravery for their exploits, and more than £700 was raised for the church's refurbishment fund.

Dunmow Broadcast: A ParaTedic was on the ground as the bears jumped, just in caseA ParaTedic was on the ground as the bears jumped, just in case (Image: Supplied)

Kay Fraser, one of the event's organisers, said: "Luckily, the weather was perfect.

"No teddies were hurt in the jump.

"We did, however, have a ParaTedic on hand in case of injury."

Dunmow Broadcast: A lot of people turned out to watch the brave bearsA lot of people turned out to watch the brave bears (Image: Supplied)

Prizes were awarded for the longest time in the air and the most innovative parachute, won by Bertie Aves.

Molly Christian's bear, Harry Kane, won the under-12s prize, while Emily Rushmere won in the 12-and-over category.

More information about the church, its history and future events is online at http://www.allsaintsrayne.org.uk/

Dunmow Broadcast: The bears parachuted from the top of the church towerThe bears parachuted from the top of the church tower (Image: Supplied)