PUDSEY-Mania is spreading across the county today, as member’s of the public dig deep to support a much-loved children’s charity.

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of Children in Need, with thousands of enthusiastic fundraisers set to take part in a range of activities to spread joy.

This morning, the Defence Fire Service firefighters have been busy jingling their collection buckets alongside staff from Asda, in Wattisham, Airfield.

The children at Orwell Park School in Nacton Village, near Ipswich, broke out into a rash of spots yesterday with a charity fashion show.

The headmaster, Rowland Constantine, led the way as one of the three judges, with a spotty shirt and tie.

Children from across the school paraded around the school in their own home made creations, while Pudsey Bear ensured that everything went according to plan. The school managed to raise more than �800.

Mother-of-five Kirsty Whiting, 27, who works for Greggs bakers in Hamilton Road, had her head shaved outside the shop to help boost the fundraising.

Mrs Whiting, who lives with her husband Gareth and family in Tarn Hows close, Felixstowe, said: “Our shop was top of the region for fundraising last year and I wanted to help us meet our target again and come top again so I volunteered to have my head shaved.”

Orwell High students got their fundraising off to an early start by washing staff cars, while elsewhere around the school there was a pirate theme dress day, a Pudsey Bear colouring competition, guess the name of the teddy bear, how many sweets in a jar, cake sales, a darts competition and sponsored silences.

Just Learning nursery in Stowmarket has persuaded a brave dad to swap his socks for wax strips, to raise money for Children in Need.

The nursery is also holding a ‘spotty pyjama day’ to help increase donations further. Nursery staff and children will be wearing their spotted nightwear for the whole day.

Amy Bowles, Nursery Manager at Stowmarket said: “Children in Need is a fantastic charity that helps youngsters in this country. As a nursery we feel very strongly about how children are cared for and the support they and their families should receive.”

Last year, the amazing generosity of the British public, saw the charity raise a record breaking �39million.

All money goes towards enhancing the lives of thousands of disadvantaged children across the country.

David Ramsden, CEO of BBC Children in Need, says: “Every year we are both humbled and inspired by the extraordinary lengths our supporters go to raise money, and we hope this year is no exception. This is why we are asking for your support again in 2010.”

The BBC Children in Need Appeal started in 1980, and more than �564million has been raised over the years.

n Send us your Children in Need stories and pictures. E-mail Hollie-rae.merrick@archant.co.uk