Across the region and the country today people are throwing themselves into fundraising activities for Children in Need, but in Suffolk many people have already been doing their bit to raise money over the past week.
Fancy dress, sponsored silences and pie throwing are just some of the activities that are being used to contribute to the marathon charity effort.
In Ipswich one local primary school is encouraging pupils to think about their heroes.
Cliff Lane Primary School asked pupils to dress up as their heroes yesterday, both real and fictional.
Children paid a pound to come in as superheroes such as Captain America and Spiderman, but many children also came in dressed as their mother, father, policemen or firemen. One even dressed as her favourite author Jacqueline Wilson.
On top of the fancy dress some of Cliff Lane’s staff baked cakes to sell, and the school hopes to raise over £400.
Meanwhile in Stowmarket a six-year-old girl is proving that children really can be seen and not heard.
Amelia Miller from the Kingsmead Road has been silent for an hour every night this week to raise money.
Every day between 6-7pm the Wood Ley Community Primary School pupil has been keeping mute, only making a noise when she writes something down to ask for a drink or to change the TV channel.
Her mother Joanna, 39, said despite practicing in half-term it had not always been easy getting the youngster to stay hushed up.
“She’s always been aware of Pudsey Bear but this year she wanted to do something. She’s been more aware about it as she has got older.”
At the Otley campus of Easton and Otley College staff and students donned onesies and Pudsey ears, wore spots and painted their nails to raise cash.
At the Easton campus students paid for the opportunity to throw custard pies at teachers.
The largest sixth form centre in Ipswich went wild for Children in Need; dressing up in jungle themed costumes.
In addition to fancy dress, the group has organised a bungee run, inflatable sumo wrestling and karaoke; while a reptile zone will host games including a guess the weight of a tortoise competition.
Mary Jones from the One student events team, said: “Everyone has grown up with Children in Need and it’s great to be able to raise important funds for a great charity and have fun at the same time.”
Vice Principal of One, Jenny Milsom, added: “Hats off (or is it costumes on) to the student events team.
“They have done a fantastic job in raising awareness and money for Children in Need and I would like to congratulate them for their efforts and thank all staff and students for their support.”
Finally, Tendring District Council hosted a fundraiser with a tea dance at Clacton Leisure Centre
More than 40 regulars took to the floor for two hours this afternoon and helped to raise £157.50 for the appeal.
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