HUNDREDS of dare-devil teddy bears are expected to make a sponsored parachute drop in aid of the North Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The high-flying event takes place at Guisborough Town Fair on Sunday, June 11, of Gisborough Hall.

Sponsorship money should be handed in while the bears receive their flight briefing and are fitted with parachutes.

They will be launched from a special base on the roof Gisborough Hall Hotel.

After free-falling for a few seconds, they will parachute into the gardens below.

"We even have a recovery team there in case any should land in the fountain," said Peter Sotheran, of Guisborough Rotary Club, the event's organiser.

Pre-flight bookings are not required. Bears and their sponsorship money should be brought to the air ambulance display at the town fair.

Bears, fully equipped with goggles and leather flying jackets, can be bought from the display.

Owners bringing their own bears must pay a minimum of £5 sponsorship and ensure that their teddy has a label with its name and address tied securely to its clothing.

There will be a prize for the bear with the most sponsorship handed in on the day. All bears will receive a certificate in recognition of their bravery and their support for the air ambulance.

The fair is the town's biggest annual charity event.

Last year it raised more than £5,000 for local voluntary organisations and charities.

Mr Sotheran said: "This year promises to be the best ever, with more than 40 local organisations on display, a children's fairground, donkey rides, Punch and Judy and non-stop entertainment throughout the afternoon."

Admission to the fair is £1 for adults and 50p for children.

The event runs from noon until 4pm, and the gates open at 11am.