TEDDY bears in Ilsington were living the high life at the third annual Teddy Tower Day.

Families gathered at St Michael’s Church where a zip wire was provided for bears, and other cuddly companions, to take a leap of faith.

The event was a morning which combined storytelling, celebration, and a touch of daring, all centred around the zip wire ride from the top of the church tower.

Despite stormy weather forecasts, and a backup plan to launch the teddies from the organ loft inside the church, the skies held just long enough for the bears to make their thrilling descent from the tower, cheered on by children and adults alike.

Among the attendees were a couple celebrating their first wedding anniversary having been married at St Michael’s a year ago, who brought along Sky the bunny, who joined the fun and made the trip up, and down, the tower.

A highlight of the day was meeting Linda Carew and her 76-year-old teddy bear, originally won at a fair at Twickenham Rugby Club.

Though Teddy didn’t brave the zip wire, he was proudly in attendance as a vintage VIP.

Up on the roof, churchwarden Peter Dickinson and his wife Gaye led the launch team, coordinating each bear’s flight with helpers on the ground.

Gaye said: ‘It was lovely to see the bears flying down the wire.

‘Everyone was really excited, despite the rain.’

The vicar of St Michael’s, Rev’d Canon John Bennett, who led the service, said: ‘Teddy Tower Day has become a bit of a legend here.

‘During the service, everyone prepares their teddies with name tags and safety harnesses, and after the service, they’re taken up the tower for a ride down the zip line - it’s great fun.

‘The theme reminds us that strength and safety can be found in something greater than ourselves.’