BRAVE bears from Okehampton are gearing up for the challenge of a life time... Never mind a picnic, cuddly toys from across the town are readying themselves to go one step beyond and take on the challenge of extreme sports at All Saints Church. Saturday, July 19 will see the bears scaling new heights as they undertake a parachute jump from the top of the church. The event is a joint venture between All Saints Church and Okehampton Primary School. The daredevil bears are being sponsored to raise money for the primary school's PTFA, which is raising money to improve the facilities in the school's playground, and for the new heating system required at the church. It follows a similar event held two years ago but this year, as well as a parachute and zip wire, the bears will also have the chance to pump up the adrenaline with the very first teddy bear bungee jump. Okehampton Rector, the Rev Stephen Cook, said: 'We had such a great time two years ago and there have been lots of calls to do it again. 'This year we hope for good weather and there will be a number of stalls and a teddy bears' picnic as well. 'As before, the teddies will be given full training before their jump by Flt Lt Philip Mingham of the Air Cadets and doctors and nurses from Okehampton Medical Centre will be on hand in case any of them should have a hard landing. 'Please assure Teddies who may be thinking of entering that their safety has always been our number one concern.' Sponsorship forms are available at either the church or the primary school. Registration will take place on the day at 10.45am with the first jump taking place at 11am. Parachutes will be provided, however larger bears may be required to provide their own. There will be prizes for the best dressed teddy, the bravest teddy and the teddy with the most sponsorship. The event promises to be a stunning spectacle and all are welcome to attend.
