MUSICIANS, schoolchildren, workers - the young and elderly alike - everyone is coming together across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to do their bit for Children In Need.

The big day, when people have the excuse of doing weird and wonderful things in the name of a good cause, is Friday.

In one of the main events taking place in Worcester, rockers will be plugging in their instruments at the city's Marr's Bar in Pierpoint Street, to do their bit, playing a charity concert on Saturday.

Punk4Pudsey is being headlined by ska-punk party band Milk2Sugars, who are due to release a five-track EP in December and will be travelling down from Wakefield to perform their set.

Hyperactive Worcester-based ska band Backwash, Malvern emotional rock group Fallout Theory, Welsh rockers Cov-ergirl, and Wolverhampton melodic punk rock band Two Shot Blast are also on the bill.

The charity gig, which is the brainchild of Backwash, is in its second year. Last year the same event raised £1,100, with organisers hoping to now smash that sum.

Their efforts will be boosted by the bands playing a second date at the Euphoria in Bromsgrove on the Sunday.

Co-organiser Alec Cox, whose son Phil plays bass with Backwash, said: "Most of the bands are from the area so we're hoping people will turn up and support the local music scene, at the same time as raising money for a good cause - which is the priority."

Meanwhile Worcester News columnist Dave Bradley will be getting on his walking boots and taking to the road, leading five charity walks around Worcestershire and Herefordshire all next week.

And cricketer Graeme Hick, Worcester city MP Mike Foster and actor John Challis - aka Boycie From Only Fools and Horses - will be among those stepping out to support Dave.

Earlier this year, Dave shaved off his moustache to raise cash for the tsunami disaster appeal.

Elsewhere, youngsters at Leapfrog Day Nursery in Warndon, Worcester, Norton Pre School in Littleworth and Great Malvern Primary School in Malvern - will be among those rummaging through their wardrobes to find weird and wacky costumes to wear on the day

Children at Norton Pre School will also be putting on their chef's hats to bake cakes.

Last year's events across Worcestershire helped the nation raise a massive £17m for the appeal.