TOY cupboards were being raided 20 years ago as youngsters throughout South Cumbria were gathering items for bring and buy sales to support an appeal by the BBC Blue Peter team.

The Mail, on Friday, January 28 in 2000, noted: "Kind-hearted pupils from Croftlands Infant and Junior Schools have played their part in helping the annual BBC Blue Peter appeal.

"Organising a bring and buy sale featuring stalls of toys and goodies, they have managed to raise more than £350.

"The sales, held after school on Wednesday, were in aid of the New Life Appeal to help premature babies and is organised by the national charity Bliss.

"The sale in the infant school's hall, raised £250.55 while the junior's sale netted another £103.73.

"Croftlands Infant School head Jane Smith, staff and children, along with junior headteacher Jackie Dower, staff and pupils, were delighted at having raised so much money for the appeal."

An article on Monday, February 7 in 2000, noted: "Enterprising Barrow youngsters Sophie Barclay and Christopher Latham, both seven, raised £227.90 on Sunday with a bring and buy sale.

"The sale, at the Co-op Bowls Club in Dane Avenue, was held in aid of the Blue Peter Appeal for premature babies.

"Sophie and Christopher have been visiting friends and family collecting unwanted Christmas presents for the sale.

"Many people supported the event, with the Co-op Club donating the use of the hall."

Back In January 1995, pupils at Barrow's Greengate Junior School handed over a cheque for £102.67 to Vince Carter of Barclay's Bank as a contribution towards the Blue Peter Well Water Appeal.

The presentation was made by Nikki Hargreaves, Nicola Gibson, Nicola Cartwright and Dawn Boyd after organising a bring and buy sale.

In December 1998 pupils at St James' RC School, Millom, were busy collecting aluminium cans, tins, and bottle tops for the Blue Peter Future Appeal Fund.

This was designed to provide new schools in under-developed countries.

In January 2002 pupils at Barrow's Greengate Junior School held a table top sale in support of the Blue Peter Wheel Help Appeal to help raise money for the aged.

The appeal was set up to buy adapted vehicles and encourage group activities for the elderly, from bee-keeping to developing computer skills.