BICESTER went spotty as fundraisers young and old across the town brought in much-needed cash for Children in Need.

Glory Farm School, in Hendon Place, looked to the BBC charity's mascot, Pudsey the Bear for inspiration last Friday.

Assistant headteacher, Fiona McCurdy, said: "This year we chose to fundraise in support of Children in Need by having a non-uniform day – focusing on spots.

"We are so proud of the effort that all children and parents made.

"These include fantastic homemade outfits, Pudsey outfits, spotty socks, tights, tops and hats, head boppers, face paints, jewellery and even Mr Elkington, our headteacher, had his spotty tie on.

"Children have brought in a donation in support of this worthwhile charity.

"We held a special assembly to develop our pupils awareness of how their money contributes to the national fundraising effort and the positive difference that it will make to so many peoples lives."

Matilda Simmons, from Year One, said: "We are lucky to have families and people that look after us.

"The money can get them a new family.

"If there were children really poorly in hospital and they didn't have any money then Children in Need could help them get new medicine and make them better."

Bure Park Primary School in Lucerne Avenue also organised a fundraising day, but with a different twist on a traditional non-uniform day.

Michelle McWhinnie, school business manager, said: "Spot –the Children in Need theme – when spelt backwards is 'tops'.

"So at Bure Park we held a non-uniform day with children wearing their tops backwards to raise money for the charity.

"Our school council promoted the day by making posters and in class assemblies.

"The children brought in donations and we held a whole school fun run."

The team from Specsavers in Bicester donned their best pyjamas to help raise funds.

The staff wore their comfy sleepwear to encourage customers and passers-by to donate to the cause, which strives to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

Customers were also able to take part in a raffle, with all proceeds going towards the charity.

Store directo,r Sarah Marshall, said: "Children in Need is a very important charity – and one that we support every year.

"Our team quite literally wore their flannel pyjamas into work and were able to raise some vital funds for the charity.

"We would like to extend a big thank you to the local community who always support our fundraising drives."

Bicester Fire Station raised an incredible £7,039.43 in just 10 hours.

The team said: "We couldn’t have done it without our incredible counting team of partners, friends and family as well as the crew.

"We’re incredibly proud to be part of a great team of firefighters across Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the country raising money."