Pudsey fever for region

People from across Shropshire and Mid Wales went Children in Need crazy, helping to raise more than £18 million for the BBC appeal. See also - Children In Need picture gallery.

People from across Shropshire and Mid Wales went Children in Need crazy, helping to raise more than £18 million for the BBC appeal. .Hundreds of fundraising events took place across the region to drum up funds for the charity, now in its 26th year.

Last night's "on the night total" beat the 2005 figure by a massive £1.3 million and the cash is still flooding in.

More than £33 million was raised in total in the last year, with organisers confident the figure would be topped this time around.

People across the county donned costumes and themed outfits and took part in activities to raise funds for the appeal.

Cakes and biscuits were sold, and people paid to turn up at school or work in fancy dress or casual clothes. Staff at Telford Town Centre's Asda store celebrated Children in Need by dressing up in fancy dress and hosting a collection and tombola.

Children at Harlescott Grange pre-school, near Shrewsbury, covered pictures of Pudsey Bear with coins to raise money.

David Ramsden, acting chief executive of BBC Children in Need, said people had been "more generous than ever before".

The money will be used to help disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

Picture: Staff at Asda, Telford Town Centre, dressed up to raise cash. In costume are Vicky Patterson, Leigh Groucott, Wesley Flavell and, front, Sheila Webb.