ONE of the UK's most famous faces appeared at a handful of Cumbrian schools this week to get people thinking about the biggest charity night of the year.

Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear enjoyed a visit to schools across the Furness area to get this year's fundraising fever up and running.

Pupils from Barrow Island Primary School have been enjoying a week-long cake sale and will be dressing up in spots or pyjamas for the main event tomorrow.

They were thrilled to receive their visit on Tuesday.

Deputy headteacher Vicky Evans said: "It was very exciting. The children knew he was coming and they all had their photos taken with him, and all gave him a high five and a hug.

"This is one charity event that we really like to support and each class talks about it and how the money will benefit children less fortunate than us."

Meanwhile, children at Low Furness Primary School were amazed when they received their visit, also on Tuesday.

Alison Stubbs, Years Five and Six teaching assistant and co-ordinator of the school council, helped plan the visit as a surprise.

She said: "We kept the whole thing a surprise and they were all absolutely amazed. They were really quiet when he first came in then there was just a wave of "It's Pudsey!"

Pupils at the school have been working hard all week to raise funds by having a colouring competition, a cake sale, collecting coins in the big bottle and covering a giant face of Pudsey with coins.

Tomorrow staff and children alike will be coming in wearing their comfiest pyjamas to raise money for the cause.

Mrs Stubbs said it was a matter that really hit home to children in school and something everyone was really keen to support.

She added: "We feel that the charity is a really big part of the whole ethos of the school because we feel it is important to do something to help other people."

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