MANY schools from Barrow, Dalton, Lindal and Ulverston turned out to show their support for the Plod for Pudsey walk today.

After a quiet start at Earnse Point on Walney, Pudsey and presenters Roger Johnson, Annabel Tiffin and Dianne Oxberry from BBC North West were quickly setting out on their 20 mile walk through Barrow, Dalton, Lindal, Swarthmoor and Ulverston, all to raise money for Children in Need.

This is the first leg of a100 mile relay across the region that will conclude on Friday evening on the Wirral coastline.

The first school they passed was Vickerstown Primary School on Walney, where the whole school turned out to show their support.

Karan Charles, in charge of the school council at Vickerstown Primary School, said: "The kids absolutely loved seeing Pudsey and all the team.

"To mark the occasion we had a an activity morning to celebrate this years Children in Need theme 'Do Your Thing'.

"This involved all the kids getting involved in activities they haven't done before, from ballroom dancing to gardening.

"We also had a local musician running practise sessions with the kids and many of the children were dressed up in their Pudsey outfits."

The team also visited other schools on Walney, such as George Hastwell School and Walney School.

Nicola Bower, deputy head teacher of George Hastwell School, said: "We all dressed up awaiting Pudsey and the team's arrival.

"There was 65 of our pupils out showing their support.

"We will be fundraising throughout the week with loads of craft activities taking place.

"We show our support every year and Children in Need is our absolute favourite fundraising event."

Pamela Magee, head of year seven at Walney School, said: "All of our years seven and eight, along with staff were out showing their support.

"Some of the children were even a little 'star-struck' when Pudsey arrived."

After crossing the Jubilee Bridge they were shortly at their next school, Barrow Island Community School.

Janet Dixon, head teacher of Barrow Island Community Primary School, said: "The kids loved seeing Pudsey and all the team.

"We walked with them from Walney bridge to Barrow Island and all the way to Portland Walk.

"To celebrate, we ran a creative writing competition to find the best 20 pieces of persuasive writing that the kids had written to convince us that they are the right person to go on the walk with Pudsey.

"It was too hard to decide so all 37 kids across years three, four, five and six went along. - they all really enjoyed it."

The team also popped by other schools along the way and if you would like to track the rest of the route throughout the week, including which streets the presenters will be walking on and on which days, you can view it online at bbc.co.uk/nwt from Friday 9 November. Donations to BBC Children in Need can also be made online.