FUN activities are taking place across the town to raise money for Children in Need.

Workers in offices and factories, pub regulars, students and schoolchildren have already been taking part in events to raise cash for the annual appeal.

And plenty more will be carrying out madcap stunts and escapades today and in the coming days to make as much money as they can for the cause.

Yesterday, Pudsey Bear made an appearance at Cheeky Monkeys Day Nursery in Astley Bridge.

The youngsters have been taking part in a baking marathon and their cakes and biscuits have been sold to parents.

Nursery manager, Kathryn Pratt, said: “The children were so excited about meeting Pudsey Bear. They have been doing lots of baking which has been really fun.”Today the youngsters were wearing fancy dress and taking donations to the nursery.

All primary schools in Bolton were having a special Pudsey-themed menu, including Pudsey’s perfect pizza and a Pudsey cookie.

From each meal sold, 5p will be donated to Children in Need.

Pupils from Sharples School in Bolton were visiting Asda in Astley Bridge and performing a cheerleading routine. MP David Crausby was also due at the store to draw a raffle.

Greggs stores were selling chocolate-flavoured cupcakes topped with a Pudsey decoration and gingerbread Pudseys, with money going directly to the annual appeal from each sale.

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, which holds classes in Lostock and Horwich, raised £50,000 across the country last year. It has designed special edition Children In Need T-Shirts for sale, as well as holding a “name the bear” competition.

The activities continue over the weekend. They include friends from Total Fitness in Walkden cycling from Southport to Walkden.

amanda.smith@the boltonnews.co.uk