PUPILS at a Lytham school have been preparing to celebrate the birthday of a very special bear this week.

Children in the preparatory department of King Edward VII and Queen Mary school have been getting into the party spirit to help Pudsey Bear celebrate his 25th birthday and help raise money for the Children in Need charity.

To honour the occasion the children have been bringing in their favourite teddy-bears dressed in a variety of outfits to take part in the school's 'Dress a Teddy' competition.

They will also all be taking part in a non-school uniform day and any money raised will be donated to the charity.

Paul Jerrum, headteacher at the school hopes pupils will be giving generously to the appeal and is pleased they are all looking forward to dressing in silver to mark the occasion.

Mr Jerrum, said: "The kids have all been getting involved to wish Pudsey a happy 25th birthday and have been learning all about the Children in Need appeal."

Vicki Hives, head girl of the preparatory school, said that the children in the kindergarten were especially excited.

Vicki said: "Our Pudsey is enormous, bigger than most of them and I think they are especially looking forward to having a piece of his birthday cake."