TINY parachutes were fitted to youngsters’ cuddly friends before they took on some death-defying dives at a fundraising event.

Teddy bears jumped from the tower of St Peter’s Church in Portishead on Saturday in aid of charity Springboard Opportunity Group.

The event, in Church Road, saw dozens of toys taking a leap of faith, after their young owners gathered sponsorship on their behalf.

Family and friends enjoyed cream teas while the teddies parachuted back to earth.