AS surprises go, a thank you from Captain Poldark takes some beating.

Razia Mohamed is still on cloud nine after meeting actor Aidan Turner on the set of Poldark.

He thanked her for helping youngsters get the best start in life as part of this year’s Children in Need.

The self-confessed superfan of the hit BBC drama was invited, along with two other fans who make a difference to children’s lives, to look around the set of Poldark – only to find themselves meeting the cast and crew – and get a role in the fourth series!

Razia, who is the manager of Home-Start in Bolton, was seen by millions of viewers Turner in a special Poldark clip for BBC Children in Need.

Razia said: “It was amazing – filming only took place three weeks ago. I had to sign something to say I wouldn’t say anything – it was the hardest secret I have had to keep, but I had to. I turned 50 two weeks ago and it was the best birthday surprise.

“I watched it with my mother and she was beaming. My nieces and nephews said I looked good!

“Home-Start Bolton receives Children in Need funding to help children and their families. We just received a phone call asking who was a fan of Poldark, and I said I was. It is my favourite television series.

“I was told I had been invited to have a look around the set with other fans. That was amazing – we never expected to meet the cast and have a part in the new series. I still can’t believe it, the cast and the people who work backstage were so nice and genuine and generous with us.

“Aidan is so handsome and so down to earth and I got to meet my favourite character George Warleggon.

“The other ladies I was with were brilliant — I have made friends for life.”

Home Start helps families to resolve issues they may be facing so children get the best start possible in life.

Razia said: “To be thanked by Aidan validates what we are doing and promotes the work of Home Start.”

Razia’s scene for Series Four is set in the Red Lion pub when she is sitting at a table with other guests.

She added: “It is great for Bolton to be featured like this. I am a Bolton lass so it is just wonderful.”

Also featured on Friday’s Children in Need telethon were members of Bolton Lads and Girls Club and how funding has held the organisation.

Children in Bolton were also out and about helping youngsters less fortunate.

At High Lawn Primary School, children in pyjamas helped Children in Need.

Pupils and staff at High Lawn Primary School in Sharples took dressing down to new heights when they rolled out of bed and into school still in their funky nightwear.

They were just some of the big-hearted people in town who put the fun into fundraising for BBC’s Children in Need. Headteacher of High Lawn Primary School, Dave Lane said: “Our children are known for their caring nature and once again they entered into the charity spirit with enthusiasm and generosity. It was a great day and very relaxing with everyone walking around in their slippers.”

At Eden Boys’ School enterprising pupils held a week of bake sales, non-uniform day, penalty shoot-outs, sporting challenges and the ever popular sponge the teacher

In their latest enterprise project, a group of around 30 pupils who take part in the Prince’s Trust programme chose to support both Children In Need and the Prince’s Trust Activity Development Programme as their school fundraising project.

Year Eight pupil Bazil Anwar said: “When we looked into supporting Children In Need, we realised there are young people who are not as blessed as us, so it was a fantastic chance to help them.

“Our Prince’s Trust group is like a family. Every person had a different role, and we helped each other if someone was struggling at their activity.”

Year Nine pupil Rayhan Adam added: “My time with the Prince’s Trust programme has been amazing so far. I was shocked at how much money we raised on just the first day! We were very happy to see our friends giving money to charity. I hope we can make a difference to the lives of children that are less fortunate.”

In total Children in Need raised a record breaking £50,168,562 on the Friday night’s appeal show to help disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.