CLUBS, pubs, groups, shops, stores, businesses, schools and individuals pulled out all the stops on Friday to support the BBC Children in Need campaign.

And if they were not actually dressing up for a multitude of capers, Forest and Wye Valley folk dug deep in their pockets whenever a collection bucket appeared under their noses.

The performances for the good cause were many and varied – too many, really, to report and picture more than a small selection.

A group of buskers comprising of musicians and dancers from Wimberry Clog, the Forest of Dean Morris Men, and Lassington Oak Morris, performed in Newent High Street, raising a magnificent £240.

The Archway Bridge Club in Chepstow joined in a national bridge competition with proceeds going to Children in Need. Last year £56,000 was raised nationally when 2,000-plus players throughout the UK played the same bridge hands simultaneously. The best local performance was by Marion Shewell and Peter Holloway.

Children and staff at St Anthony's School in Cinderford wore pyjamas for the day and staff sported spotty bandanas to raise more than £200 – a fantastic feat for a small school.

And at Woolaston Primary pupils lined up to pay to gunge teacher Julie Drew with beans, chopped tomatoes and ketchup. Afterwards, the horrible mess was sent off to a local farm to treat the pigs, who loved it!