There was a packed programme of Pudsey projects across North Herts and Stevenage as supporters raised cash to boost the annual BBC Children In Need appeal.

The Comet: Children at Woolenwick Infant & Nursery School raised more than £200 for Children In NeedChildren at Woolenwick Infant & Nursery School raised more than £200 for Children In Need (Image: Archant)

Although Friday night’s TV audience for the nationwide fundraiser was the lowest for nearly a decade as viewers tuned in to news channels for the latest headlines in the wake of terrorist attacks on Paris, organisers have still reported that the appeal – without host Terry Wogan for the first time in its 35-year history due to ill health – still raised an on-the-night record of £37 million with more money still coming in.

Children and staff at Stevenage’s Woolenwick Infant and Nursery School chipped in 50p each to dress in spots, with a giant Pudsey being raffled and a bake sale also helping add to the total of £210.

Members of Hitchin Tilehouse Rotary Club raised a whopping £1,200 through a £10 a head breakfast meeting at the town’s Sun Hotel, which also featured a blind bottle raffle.

Winners had to pick their prize at random from the wrapped bottles, which included wine – and pickled eggs.

The Comet: Hitchin Tilehouse Rotary Children In Need breakfast - there was a colouring contest for youngsters who joined members and supporters who raised more than £1,200 on the dayHitchin Tilehouse Rotary Children In Need breakfast - there was a colouring contest for youngsters who joined members and supporters who raised more than £1,200 on the day (Image: Archant)

In Stevenage, the Poplars Toddler Group – based at the community centre off Magpie Crescent – raised £53.30 by holding a pyjama party at its regular Monday morning session.

Hitchin Bridge Club ran three simultaneous pairs events, raising £667.95 for the charity.

A mind-boggling £1,940 was raised at Hartsfield Primary School in Baldock as children and staff came into school wearing pyjamas and superhero outfits.

Over at Baldock’s St Mary Junior School, £320 was raised through a variety of events attended by children in spotted or striped pyjamas – including ‘beat the goalie’, a netball challenge, cake sales and a raffle.

Pupils at Icknield Infant and Nursery School were now slouches, holding a Strictly Come Dancing-themed fancy dress event to show their support for the charity.