BBC CHILDREN in Need this year raised a record amount with over �26m donated across the UK – and Crow country did more than its fair share of fundraising.

Schools in Royston were among those that made the effort with Roysia and Tannery Drift making the effort with special events. Students, as well as staff, donned fancy dress.

Money was raised at Roysia with competitions, and the razzle dazzle of the annual talent show.

“At the last count the school had raised an amazing �313.64 for Children in Need,” said acting deputy head Erica Clark.

“Well done to everyone.”

Children at Tannery Drift took the unusual step of dressing as Roald Dahl characters as part of a special literary week which culminated on Friday.

Kate Penfold, literacy leader, said: “We are so proud of our children, it is inspiring to see them all bursting with such enthusiasm for learning.”

It wasn’t just the pupils who got in on the act with a Melbourn lollipop lady selling chocolate apples and raising �61 for her troubles.

A bona fide TV star also briefly passed through the region on his rickshaw fundraising quest.

Matt Baker, of The One Show, cycled through Barley on Friday morning, and was said to have caused school run gridlock outside Richmond’s Coach Depot.

He raised more than �1m by journeying almost 500 miles on a rickshaw in just eight days from Edinburgh Castle to Television Centre in London.

The Rotary Club of Royston also got in the spirit of the event with members of the organisation putting shoe leather to tarmac to collect cash.

A record-breaking �2,300 was raised over two days with more than �800 collected at Tesco superstore on Friday and the rest from collections around the town centre on Saturday.

Royston Rotary Club president Neil Heywood said: “The response was absolutely marvellous and we raised more this year than in the past.

“It certainly helped having Pudsey bear with us as it became a great attraction for the youngsters.”