SWINDON has once again pulled together to dig deep and raise thousands of pounds to support the country’s disadvantaged children as part of Children in Need.

Pupils and staff yesterday wore spot-acular clothing from dresses to shirts and even ties, or opted to pay £1 to dress in whatever they wanted.

At Swindon College there were some Pudsey onesies on show as students sold their homemade cakes to raise cash.

While Lawn Primary School pupils pulled out all the stops with Pudsey ears, face painting and dazzling costumes. Staff joined in on the act too.

“The day has been such a buzz and it has been amazing seeing them in all the different colours,” said headteacher Kelly James.

“The children have been so excited and gone to a real effort making their costumes.

“The day has all been pupil led and the pupil council looked at what they could do to get the whole school involved.

“We had a competition of who could wear the most spots and we had a parade on stage. Some of the older children made loom bands which raised about £80 alone.”

The youngsters also carefully crafted costumes and cakes, as well as bringing in books to sell.

“It’s lovely the school has pulled together to think about other people,” added Kelly, who said the day went hand-in-hand with their focus on friendship and kindness this week as part of anti-bullying week.

Meanwhile residents and wardens at sheltered accommodation Mervyn Webb Place in Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, tucked into tea, cake and coffee to play their part and donate.

Resident Albert Brind, 56, said: “The day has been really enjoyable. We have done a raffle all week with prizes from chocolate to meal vouchers. We also did Irish bingo.

“So far we have raised £238 but we think after everything has been counted it will be between £400 to £500.

“We thought it would be nice to show that the older generation are playing their part as well."

Stars honoured the memory of Sir Terry Wogan last night as it was the first Children in Need Appeal Show since his death in January from cancer.

Sir Terry hosted the BBC charity event for 35 years until 2015 when poor health forced him to pull out.

Clare Pizey and Paul Wright, the show's executive producers, said the long-running host's presence will be missed.

In a statement, they said: "This year will feel very different as the great Sir Terry Wogan is no longer with us but we will do our best to honour his memory."

Since its creation in 1980, Children in Need has raised over £600 million.