CHARITABLE people in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa came out in force once again in aid of the BBC's Children in Need appeal.

Businesses, shops and local personalities in the two towns and surrounding villages were among those pulling in the pounds for Pudsey last Friday, as part of the popular national annual event.

Fundraising kicked off as early as 8am, outside the Advertiser/Messenger's High Street office in Bromsgrove, as BBC Hereford and Worcester presenters Dave Bradley and Malcolm Boyden, and friends Mark Grooms and Les Griffiths, began a sponsored walk from Bromsgrove to Hylton Road in Worcester - a route that took them through Droitwich.

Over £2,000 has been raised so far from the five walks undertaken by Dave across the two counties last week.

Staff at Ladbrokes bookmaker's in Church Street, Bromsgrove, dyed their hair red, raising £350 for the charity.

Meanwhile in Droitwich staff from GE Money Home Lending, based on the George Bayliss industrial estate, dressed up and took part in a raffle for the popular event.

The charity drive was part of the firm's Growing Responsibility scheme. This initiative is designed to help staff become more responsible towards and engage with the local community, their customers and fellow employees.

Last Friday also saw lots of other Children in Need events right across the Spa.

Guests and staff at the town's leisure centre, in Briar Mill, were sponsored to take part in a 12-hour spinning class endurance test.

While over at the Safehands Nursery, in Old Coach Road, there was a name the baby competition and dressing up.

Regulars at a Spa pub also did their part for charity by attending a two-day event over the weekend. The Gardeners Arms, in Vines Lane, held a Christmas fair for visitors who could pick up a bargain and take part in raffles and other games.

Back in Bromsgrove a group of TA soldiers provided pulling power in a two-day fundraising marathon, which saw them haul a one-tonne Land Rover over 30 miles.

The soldiers, from 67 Signal Squadron, Stratford, raked in over £2500, as they pulled the vehicle through several West Midlands towns, stopping in Bromsgrove High Street to collect donations from shoppers.

South Bromsgrove School pupils Emma Joynes, Rachna Matharu and Amy Jenkerson held a 'Pie the teacher' event on Friday lunchtime, raising £60.

The David Lloyd Centre in Slideslow Drive raised £860 at its family fun day, including a teddy bears picnic for under fives, a colouring competition and fun tennis and aerobics sessions.

Bromsgrove man Steve Hodgson was king for a day at Severn Trent Water's fun day.

The managing director donned an Elvis costume as part of the company's fundraising activities.

Staff at Droitwich Spa Hospital and Brine Baths raised over £300 after being sponsored to wear different headgear.

A spokesman said: "The event went really well, we managed to raise a really good sum for the charity."

And a night of tenpin bowling in fancy dress saw staff from Droitwich Garage raise £800.

Trish Wones, who took part, said: "We had a great time. Our big aim was to raise as much money as possible for Children in Need as it is a great cause."

She added: "A big thank you from all the staff to Paula Ransome for organising a great event."

A wonderful effort across the two towns from all that will have made Pudsey proud of what was achieved.