Pudsey-mania swept through Newington Community Primary School in Ramsgate as children, families and staff raised an impressive £1000 for Children in Need.
And for deputy head teacher Wayne Beech it was a case of Beanz Meanz Fundz as he was sponsored to sit in a paddling pool of cold baked beans wearing only his Edwardian swimming costume on a chilly winter afternoon in the playground.
Throughout the day the Newington charity champs celebrated with a series of events including a cake sale with tasty treats made and donated by families, a raffle and a Pudsey-themed colouring competition. Superstore ASDA donated a cuddly Pudsey toy to the fundraising effort too.
At a special Children in Need assembly all year groups and many staff wore Pudsey stripes and spots outfits and a range of fabulous creative costumes to add colour to the day.
And a giant Pudsey Bear was in and around the school with children eager to have a hug and have their photos taken with him.
Teacher Julie Hessey co-ordinated the charity day. She said: “We are overwhelmed at the generosity and the wholehearted way in which everyone has really got into the spirit of the occasion.
“It was great fun and it was also an important opportunity for our children to find out more about how the charity started and to recognise that there are so many young people in the world who lead poorer lives than they do for all sorts of reasons.”
Head teacher Cliff Stokes said: “Children in Need day at Newington is one of those special events where our whole community gathers to help a common cause. We are so proud of the efforts of our children – and they take pride in Pudsey and what the charity means to less fortunate children.”
Throughout the day a separate collection was made for the Pilgrims Hospice in memory of former Deputy Head Teacher Jo Kettle who died in November 2016.
Mr Stokes said: “Jo is always in our thoughts and she loved our special Newington community days. We held a collection to mark the anniversary of her passing and we are happy to donate £100 to the Pilgrims Hospice.”
Meanwhile princesses, pirates, cowboys, and superheroes helped celebrate Children In Need charity day at Chilton Primary School in Ramsgate.
The non-uniform event to support the nationwide fund raising campaign saw a wide variety of colourful characters from the worlds of film, television, books and games in classrooms, corridors and playgrounds.
There were plenty of Pudsey-themed outfits with colourful spots and stripes, and a large variety of onesies on show.
Staff joined in the fun as well, and the day raised £434.16 for the charity.
Head of School Kate Law said: “Chilton is proud of its fund raising for good causes. Children In Need is such a worthwhile and effective organisation that really makes a huge difference to the lives of thousands of children every day.”