Rallying round to give children a helping hand

FUND raisers from the Royston area were out in force for the BBC Children in Need appeal.

Two Greneway School pupils featured live on television on Friday evening, and handed presenter Stewart White a cheque for £550 from the school.

Charlie Linwood and Luke Hails, both 12, spent the day tied together, raising £461.29 in the process.

A spokesman for the school said: "Pupils also held a variety of other events, including a non-uniform day, 'dress up your hair', pupils versus teachers basketball match and a Pudsey biscuit sale by the canteen."

At Roysia School, a popular annual event was the final part of a week of fundraising.

Roysia Stars in their Eyes talent show was once again arranged by Year 8 pupils.

Winner of the contest was majorette Robyn Barfield.

Year 8 co-ordinator Erica Clarke said: "We raised money at the talent show by charging children for entrance - 10p for a mat or 20p for a nice comfortable chair.

"We also held smaller events all through the week, so that everyone could join in with something, even if they didn't have a lot of money."

Money is still coming in at Roysia, and Erica says they expect to have raised "in excess of £400."

Children from Bumpkins Pre-School took to their bikes for a sponsored cycle, while members of Royston Round Table accompanied Pudsey bear on a tour of pubs in Royston and the surrounding villages, and raised £1,564.

Friday also saw the proceeds of the ever-popular Little Gransden Airshow handed over to Children in Need. This year's show, held in August, raised £10,150.

Organiser David Poile said: "We didn't get much help from the weather this year and this, together with the rising costs of fuel, means our total is down a bit.

"But we're still very pleased and are already planning next year's show."

More than £20million was gathered for the appeal nationwide, and it will now be distributed to good causes around the UK.