Children in Need (Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley)

A HOST of fun-filled fundraising events were held across East Lancashire for the BBC's Children in Need appeal.

The fantastic array of activities helped to boost the national total to £11.6million - with more than £662,396 being raised in the North West.

Students from the childhood studies department of Blackburn College dressed in St Trinian's-style uniforms and did their hair in wacky styles to raise money for the appeal.

Lecturer Sally-Anne Mitchell said: "A lot of children pay to have non-uniform days so we did the opposite.

"Also, nursery nurses have to be very presentable when they go out on placements so we let them have wacky hair for the day."

Childhood studies lecturer Ann Smith had possibly the most hair-raising day of all.

She allowed her brown locks to be dyed bright red, sprinkled with silver and spiked up to raise cash.

Students also sold Pudsey cookies and drinks and offered Pudsey designs in henna body painting. The childhood studies department raised more than £1,100.

And there was a keep fit class run by Edith Calderbank, the mother of the head of the childhood studies division, Lorraine Disney.

The department was hoping to raise at least £1,000 from the various events.

Stuart Ingleby, owner of Specsavers Opticians in Morrison's Supermarket, Blackburn, was submerged in a bath of cornflakes for the morning. He said: "I made the mistake of saying we should do something a bit wacky. It was a bit uncomfortable!"

Staff at Stuart's other practice, the Specsavers branch in King William Street, Blackburn, dressed in fancy dress and did face-painting to raise money.

Staff and partners from Forbes and Partners solicitors in Blackburn, Accrington and Clitheroe went on a sponsored walk, run and cycle between the various offices.

The company hoped to raise at least £1,000.

Friends George Heron and David Scott from Darwen went busking in Blackburn town centre to raise money for the appeal.

George dressed as Mozart to play the electric piano inside Blackburn Shopping Centre. His sister Georgina, dressed as a nurse, provided the vocals.

David donned a Santa Claus outfit to entertain shoppers in the town centre.

Between them they were hoping to raise more than £1,300.

Emily and Robert Walmsley and Emma Alcock sold snacks and drinks at break times at Oakhill College, Whalley, and raised £74 for the appeal.

A fundraising disco was held at the Ivy Street Community Centre, Blackburn, for children aged from seven to 13.

The event also featured games, spot prizes and face-painting.

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