Gallery: Ipswich shows its spots for Children in Need

IPSWICH: Pudsey-mania has swept across the county as people showed their spots and raised thousands of pounds for this year’s Children in Need appeal.

Thousands of people have been taking part in fundraisers and delving deep into their pockets for the worthy cause.

Pudsey made a guest appearance at Stoke Park Asda in Ipswich yesterday as customers tucked into spotty cupcakes while doing their weekly shop.

But the big money-maker for the store was the pie-a-colleague challenge with many employees receiving a cream cake in the face.

Meanwhile four male workers at Willis, based in Friars Street, Ipswich, bravely had their legs waxed in front of their colleagues in return for sponsorship.

Gordon Sharples, Adrian Russell, Josh Hearnden and Oliver Woods gritted their teeth and endured the pain of the waxing which was carried out by beauticians from Carolyn Hammond Health and Beauty Clinic.

Over in Felixstowe, Manning’s Amusements held a 13-hour extravaganza with an array of events including train rides, a singing competition and live bands.

There was also an auction held with prizes donated from local businesses which helped raise funds for the appeal.

Owner of Manning’s, Charlie Manning, said: “This is the first time we’ve done something like this for Children in Need. It’s such a good cause and we’re giving something back.”

There was also an auction held at Felixstowe Radio and presenter Martin Sawyer was thrilling residents while riding on a large pink chicken.

One of the more unique events this year was cab driver Alan Kane who gave his customers a shock when he turned up at their door dressed as a French maid.

Mr Kane, 41, who owns Helpful Cabs, has already raised �500 through sponsorship and he is hoping to raise more than �1,000 in total.

Meanwhile, members of the Felixstowe Conservative Club are still raising money as they continue with a 24-hour pokerthon which started at 8pm yesterday.

Energy workers at UK Power Networks, based in Fore Hamlet, Ipswich, have boosted the BBC’s appeal with �1,991.

Staff held an auction and raffle, guess Pudsey’s favourite cake and take part in a charity quiz.

Employee Louise Hetherington said: “We had lots of great ideas to raise money and colleagues were very generous in their participation.

“With so many different ways of supporting this very worthwhile cause, it meant lots of people could get involved without disrupting the working day.”