PEOPLE in Comet country did Pudsey proud over the weekend, with a number of fundraisers across the area helping to make this year’s Children in Need one of the most successful ever.

Stotfold Scouts raised more than �350 for the charity with a fun-packed camp full of games, food and a pizza tasting contest.

Scout leaders Mark Mollison and Peter Evans also had their legs waxed at camp, with scouts and parents donating money to the leader they wished to endure the waxing.

“Parents and scouts donated in the box of the leader they wished to endure the waxing. But in a final twist, loser Mark decided Peter would not go through the pain alone, meaning he too suffered the waxing,” said group leader Nick Pearce.

“A big thanks to everyone for helping raise money for Children in Need, and for an unforgettable weekend.”

Elsewhere, youngsters and coaches at Knebworth Youth FC dressed up as their favourite super heroes for their training session on Saturday, with the Under 10 girls playing their fixture against Watford Ladies in their pyjamas.

Combined with a cake sale supported by parents, the club raised more than �300 on the day.

Pupils at St Mary’s Junior School in Baldock netted �230 for the charity by holding a non-uniform day and selling cakes. They also used donated coins to make a Pudsey bear picture.

11-year-old Barnwell Secondary School pupil Ciara Mulhern, helped by sister Naomi, joined forces with Marriotts Gym Centre in Stevenage and Fairlands Valley Spartans, selling snacks at the athletic club’s training events.

After contacting local supermarkets, the youngster managed to get food donations, which people then bought for the price they thought suitable.

The fundraiser coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Spartans’ monthly 5K handicap race and Ciara and Naomi raised �86.

Local nurseries also got involved in the fun, with Little Rascals nursery in Hitchin holding a pyjama party, and Busy Bees in Letchworth GC running a treasure hunt on Friday.

Stevenage Formula One hero Lewis Hamilton joined in the fundraising on the BBC One show with Jenson Button, competing on the go karting track with a group of young carers.

Although his team lost, he was two-hundreths of a second quicker than his rival.

More than �18 million was raised this year nationally, taking the total since it was launched in 1980 to more than �500 million.