FRIDAY is Red Nose Day and thousands of people across the district will be taking part in madcap events to raise cash for Comic Relief.

At Wiltshire County Council a mammoth balloon race is hoped to raise thousands for vulnerable people in Africa and the UK.

Carole Soden, chairman of the council, said: "Red Nose Day is a lot of fun, but also an important way for people to give something back to their local communities."

At ASDA in Trowbridge events will include a contest between managers to eat the most jelly using chopsticks.

Virgin Mobile staff will be joined by Bath rugby players to man phone lines to take pledges.

Earlier this week, staff at Avon Park residential home did their bit for charity by dressing up and taking part in a sponsored bed push.