PEOPLE across Redditch are preparing for fun and frolics on Friday to help raise cash for this year's BBC Children in Need appeal.

The appeal started in 1980 and has raised £325 million to improve the life of British children who have experienced hardship such as abuse, serious illness and poverty.

Students at NEW College dressed up as wild and wacky characters for a charity car wash and will be taking part in events all week. On Friday, they will be holding a trolley dash starting at the Peakman Street campus and finishing at the Alexandra Hospital.

There will also be a football match with lecturers and other members of staff taking on a student side.

At Treetops Nursery, Wythall, youngsters will be sponsored for donning their pyjamas for the day and bringing their favourite teddy bears into nursery with them.

At Redditch Car Auto in Lakeside, there will be a raunchy theme as staff get sponsored to transform into their favourite Rocky Horror Show characters for the day.

At Matchborough First School, pupils will raise money by keeping fit when the school hosts a Sports Skills charity event.

Redditch Lions Club will be collecting in the Kingfisher Centre on Friday.

A spokesman said: "As we have for the past 23 years, we'll be there from 8.30am-6pm.

"Let us all make it the best year ever."

To publicise your Children in Need event, call Helen Clarke on 453536.