ALL Saints' Church in Lydd has been shortlisted in a national competition to find the best church fund-raising idea.

Their teddy bear parachuting event has earned them a place in the final 12 of the Parish Fund-raising Competition 2002.

The competition was launched by Ecclesiastical Insurance in May and there were 91 entries.

The judges were looking for ideas, which were well planned and effectively carried out, and which other churches in need of funds could adopt.

Robin Stevens, the Church of England's national stewardship officer, said: "It was good to see so much commitment with people using their time and their talent to raise money in innovative ways for special projects. I was particularly pleased to see that many fund raising activities also promoted aspects of the Christian faith."

The top three winners will be announced at a presentation at the London Synod on November 12. The overall winner will get £1,000 worth of vouchers from the Church Purchasing Scheme. Second and third place will get £500 and £250 respectively.