Flying teddies take off for charity

TEDDY bears took to the skies yesterday to help raise €10,000 for the National Children’s Hospital in Crumlin.

A convoy of 150 microlight planes ferried teddy bears across the Irish Sea to the heart of the Midlands for the Easter weekend.

After they touched down outside Edenderry, Co Offaly, the pilots raffled the teddies among the large crowd which had gathered in the brilliant sunshine to welcome them. The event was hosted by the Irish Parachute Club, one of the oldest clubs in the country, with an outstanding track record in raising funds for charities.