SCHOOLS, firms, organisations and individuals throughout the Forest and the Wye Valley gave their all on Friday to raise funds for the annual Children in Need appeal.

It was a day for wacky events and stunts, tin-rattling and dressing up to add to the grand total which so far has raised a record £26.7million via the TV show alone.

English Bicknor Primary School pupils and Bicknor Bears raised an amazing £231. The Senior Class held a table sale which included games, tombola, raffle and cakes for sale. Children from Bicknor Bears Nursery dressed up and brought in enough pennies to cover a picture of Pudsey Bear.

Staff at Two Rivers Housing Association raised well over £400 by having a ripping time with hair-removing wax.

Plucky hairy legged development director Matt Hun offered up his pins for sacrifice – all for the good cause. Head of housing Rachel "Ripper" Smith did the deed, delivering follicle trauma.

The ritual humiliation was watched by colleagues who paid to see their boss suffer!

"There was a bit of pain for me and a lot of laughs from my team. But together we have managed to raise money for a really worth while cause. There are great bunch of people with a real commitment to the community," said Matt.

Matt was not the only man to suffer. Income advisor Emma Watkins tore a strip off husband and maintenance co-ordinator Chris, from Berry Hill. Chris was brave enough to offer up his chest.

He said his sacrifice had been worth it.