Pudsey Bear visits and thousands for Children in Need by schools in Newark and Claypole, collections by Newark Roundtable and Collingham Cubs and a dance challenge at Newark Palace Theatre

The community has shown it’s support for Children in Need, with schools and organisations raising thousands of pounds for charity.

At the Sir Donald Bailey Academy, children were bursting with excitement as Pudsey Bear surprised classes.

The famous yellow bear with the polka dot eye patch visited as pupils spent the day learning about what the charity does and who they help, and taking part in themed activities by dressing up in Pudsey Bear outfits, making masks and decorating biscuits.

Children had no idea Pudsey would be popping in to to say hello and immediately jumped up to hug the bear and give him high fives.

Together the staff, parents and pupils raised a total of £393.44 through collections and bake sales.

A school spokesperson said: “It’s been amazing, they were all so excited.

“Children in Need is important in making our pupils aware that there are more children out there with different levels of need — it’s not just us, it’s across Nottinghamshire and country wide.

“The support from parents has been phenomenal and the children have responded really well, they’ve loved it.”

Pudsey also visited pupils at the Coddington C of E Primary School, Christ Church C of E School in Middlebeck and the Holy Trinity Catholic Academy on Boundary Road.

With the help of Pudsey, the Newark Roundtable managed to raise £482.62.

A team of six were out at the crack of dawn collecting at Newark Northgate Station from the morning communters.

There was lots of interest, with Pudsey posing for lots of photos and even parents video calling their children.

At the Claypole Church of England Primary School, the students made a marathon effort with their RunPudsey fundraiser.

150 children took part, running a mile in laps around the school’s tennis court.

Together the school managed to raise a staggering £2,472.80 for Children in Need and stayed healthy and active at the same time.

The school also organised an obstacle course around the school playground at lunchtime for all children to join in with if they wished.

School head, Martyn Wells, said: “We've raised nearly £2,500, which for a small school of 150 children is a phenomenal amount and reflects the kindness, generosity and philosophy of service that is so strong and important to our school.

“It's really warming to see that our love of being active is also helping to support so many important organisations — especially during these difficult times and cost of living crisis.

“It's a real testament to our school community.”

Eight cubs from the 1st Collingham Cubs pack decided to hit the streets for a fundraising walk.

The children plotted their route, made t-shirts and bear ears and managed to raise a over £500.

By planning the route and walking, the cubs also earned their ‘Hikes Away‘ badge and worked towards their ‘Navigator‘ badge too.

One of the group’s leaders, Nikita, said: “To say I’m proud is an understatement.

“They all did so incredibly well and feel they deserve to be recognised for their hard work and dedication.”

At Newark Palace Theatre, dance schools from in and around Newark joined forces to raise money for Children in Need.

Pupils from the Charlotte Hudson School of Dance took part in a tap-athon, alongside the Newark Dance Academy and The Studio at Averham.

Together the schools were fundraising and taking part in a national world record attempt to try and get the most people dancing the same tap routine simultaneously countrywide, organised by The Performers Project.

Over 120 dancers from the schools performed at the theatre, with ages ranging from children as young as two-year-old, to adults in their 80s.

Altogether the dancers managed to raise over £1230 for the children’s charity.

School principal and teacher, Charlotte Hudson, said “It’s great seeing our dancers on the stage together, with a range of ages and abilities fundraising together for such a worthy cause.

“It was lovely to invite two other local schools to collaborate and share the stage with others who share our love for dance.

“The Palace Theatre kindly hosted the event, making the event extra special."