Paddington Bear and the Rev Will Hughes welcomed teddies, children and adults to St Peter’s Church for the second teddy bear parachute jump organised by the Petersfield branch of Save the Children.

A menagerie of soft toys was hoisted to the top of the tower from which they sailed, glided or plummeted!

The oldest bear to jump was 83-year-old Ted owned by Peter Simpson, and the most frequent flyer was Enhjorning, a unicorn with golden hoofs which made five flights, each one watched adoringly by its young owner, Marcella.

Cream teas were served in the shade and free cold drinks and cupcakes were available for all children.

New chairman Penny Blois is keen to stress that as well as raising awareness and vital funds for children affected by such things as poverty and famine worldwide, it is important to provide fun events for children in our own community.

Penny would also like to thank the local shops and businesses which contributed goods and services to this event as well as the volunteers who all made it possible.

Photos by Roger Pendell