CHILDREN and adults across Wyre Forest helped raise funds for Children in Need by donning fancy dress and holding fundraising activities.

This year marked the 35th Children in Need appeal, launched by the BBC in 1980, which helps disadvantaged children all around the world.

Pupils at Wolverley CE Secondary School, in Blakeshall Lane, raised £869 for the cause by taking part in a non-uniform day, holding a bake sale and barbeque and a lunchtime concert.

Bryn Thomas, headteacher, said: “A huge well done to the students who got involved and made a donation.

“I am always extremely proud of the way our students work together during events like Children in Need to raise a fantastic amount of money.”

At Burlish Park Primary School, in Windermere Way, there was an epidemic of spots as children wore something dotty to school, as well as holding a cake sale. The school collected £568 for the appeal in total.

Eco school co-ordinator, Lynda Williams, said: “Children in Need is one of our favourite charities and to support this year’s event pupils and staff donated £1 for the privilege of wearing something spotty to school.

“Some of our children were very inventive and instead of wearing something spotty, they drew spots on their faces much to the shock and surprise of teachers who thought we had an outbreak of colour measles.”

At Heathfield School and Day Nursery pupils and staff members dressed up as their favourite Super Heroes and raised £412, while children at Lickhill Primary School wore their pyjamas and onesies to school raising more than £400.

Ravenhurst Residential Care Home residents and staff also donned their pyjamas, comfy slippers and fluffy onesies to raise funds for the appeal, as well as inviting the community for a cuppa and a slice of cake.

Carla Siwicki, activities leader at the home, said: “There was such a wonderful atmosphere – Children in Need always brings out the silly side of people in our home.

“Everybody dressed down and our residents had great fun and lots of laughter at our expense.”

Pudsey the Bear paid a visit to St Anne’s Primary School in Bewdley before the big day where pupils had been collecting coins to make a giant coin stack. Pupils at the school also joined in with the appeal’s super hero theme, by dressing up as their favourite caped hero.

The team at DW Fitness Centre in Weavers Wharf came to work in their onesies while holding group exercise classes and encouraging people to ride a spin bike while decorating a cake. The team also collected donations during their classes, raising just under £100.

Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre, Stourport Sports Centre and Bewdley Leisure Centre raised £161 for the appeal by dressing in fancy dress, holding a cycling challenge and a dodgeball tournament.