REDDITCH residents have risen to the occasion once again and raised an astonishing amount for the BBC’s Children in Need.

Schools, community groups, pubs and charities, all took part in various activities to help change the lives of thousands of disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK.

Among them, pupils at Pitcheroak Special School raised £240 by baking Victoria sponges as well as having a non-uniform day and cake sale.

Teacher Bev Savage said: “Our Let's Get Cooking club lead the challenge to get everyone in the school baking.

“The delicious smell of baking wafted through the school all week and on the day everyone, including the parents, had a wonderful time.”

An amazing £1,000 has been raised at the Seven Stars pub in Headless Cross with, among other events, a sponsored chest wax.

Carl Turnbull braved the hot wax and pain to raise the cash while other activities included karaoke, a raffle and a pool tournament.

Donna Reed from the pub said: “The night was fantastic, we can’t believe we raised that much.

“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who got involved also to family, friends and regulars of the Seven Stars for all the their support - it’s been greatly appreciated.”

At First Ipsley Rainbows £25 was raised by girls taking part in a number of events as well as dressing in Disney outfits to celebrate the group’s visit to 100 Years Of Disney on ice, which coincided with the end of Girlguiding UK’s centenary celebrations.

Ryknield Nursery in Matchborough raised £26 for Children In Need by dressing up, playing Pudsey-based games and activities and selling cakes.

Emma Watson, from the nursery said: “It was a brilliant day and everyone who got involved had a great time. Both the staff and the kids really enjoyed themselves.”

Abbeydale Community Club held a charity disco organised by David Jay, from Scorpio Mobile Disco, and Carrie Hunter and managed to raise £20.

The Redditch Lions, which were in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, have raised more than £1,200.

Steve Jones said: “It went really well. We’ve been doing this for years now and the people in this town are always very good and always give what they can.

“It’s also great to see so many young people getting involved and giving money.”