Hair-razing stunts for Pudsey

People are preparing to go Pudsey potty for another weekend of madcap fund-raising for Children in Need.

At the Vernon Arms pub in Southrepps regular Brian Thurston, well-known for his pony tail and beard as well as his pool and darts skills, is getting them shaved off during a evening of music and madness beginning at 7pm.

And landlord Paul Briggs has said he will also have his chest waxed if the pub's Pudsey pot – currently being boosted by a swear box on the bar – reaches �1,000. Regulars are bound to be turning the air blue – in a good cause.

Just down the road at Swafield stables there is a dance with live swing jazz and blues music from the King Size Papas, and a disco, with a prize for the best 1940s-themed dress.

Tickets for the event on the Bradfield Road, which runs from 8pm, are �10 from Phil on 07775 676862.

A prize bingo event is being held at Gimingham Village Hall tomorrow at 7.30pm is also raising funds for Children in Need.

At Happisburgh Primary School they are holding a non-school uniform day but everyone is asked to wear something 'spotty'.

Nationally, despite the economic conditions, the 2009 appeal raised a record-breaking �39m which has helped more than 700 projects across the UK.

In Norfolk more than �858,000 has been awarded to 20 projects in local grants.

The telethon evening hosted by Sir Terry Wogan, Tess Daly and Fearne Cotton begins at 7pm

with a star-studded cast including Cheryl Cole, Westlife, Kylie Minogue, Dr Who and TV soap casts.

At the regional hub of the event in Norwich the baking skills of local people are being put the test, with 'Queen of Cakes' Mary Berry picking the tastiest treats on live television tomorrow night.

To enter, just bake a cake and bring it to the BBC reception at The Forum on the day between 7.30am and 5.30pm – along with a list of ingredients and contact details.

The BBC reception in The Forum will be open all day tomorrow, for fundraisers wishing to bring their donations in.

People taking cheques along to the event are asked to e-mail the BBC to reserve a ticket. For more information visit the BBC site on www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey

Pudsey ploughmen's lunches went down a treat in Stalham Town Hall where 50 diners helped raise nearly �230 for Children in Need.

The event, now in its fourth year, was originally dreamed up as a way of helping the BBC's annual fundraiser by Stalham resident Jane Hare and is now organised by Mrs Hare and a group of friends.

This year's sell-out lunch included a 'buy a square for the bear' game, and a yellow tombola featuring gifts including a banana and a packet of custard powder.

Also on sale were Pudsey biscuits, made by Stalham rector the Rev Simon Lawrence and his wife Emma.