FROM pupils in pyjamas and toddlers with teddies to a whole bunch of soaking-wet teachers, Worcester people went crazy for Children in Need yesterday.

Fun-filled fund-raisers were held across the city at schools, colleges, supermarkets, nurseries and a host of other venues.

Pyjamas seemed to be a particularly popular theme for the day, with a number of non-uniform days taking place around the city where everybody dressed in their nightware.

“All our children walked to school in their pyjamas,” said Kate Brunt, the headteacher of St Clement’s Primary School, . “We had a brilliant day. They all really enjoyed themselves and we raised over £150 for Children in Need.

“Everyone’s been in their pyjamas the whole day — children, teachers, even the lunchtime supervisors joined in. The only problem was the children thinking they ought to be going to sleep in the middle of the day!”

Similar events were held at the London Road Mothers and Toddlers Group and at Regency High School, where pupils also got involved in various other fund-raising activities including selling home-made cakes and drenching their teachers with icy water.

“We all got thoroughly soaked,” grinned assistant head teacher Richard Bird. “The students certainly seemed to enjoy themselves. It was a great day, very enthusiastically received, and we have got over £140. In the past, this school has actually been a recipient of money from Children in Need, so it was really nice to be able to give something back.”

There were more wet sponges thrown over at Worcester Sixth Form College, where students also took part in ferocious Gladiators-style battles with inflatable weapons.

Pupils at St Mary’s Convent School had a more refined look in their 1940s and 1950s fancy dress, while teddy bears’ picnics were held at Leapfrog Day Nursery and the Sticky Fingers Playgroup.

And £395 was raised at Tesco in St Peter’s, where stock controller Andy McDowell agreed to shave off his lengthy beard and moustache for charity.

Council workers were also getting in on the fund-raising action.

Many staff at Wychavon District Council donned spotty outfits or jeans — and paid for the privilege. Others raised money by selling cakes and even having their chests waxed, while a three-legged race around the Civic Centre provided plenty of entertainment for bemused onlookers.