SCHOOLS, community groups, businesses and individuals from across the Isle of Wight took part in a range of fundraising activities for Children in Need on Friday.

The staff at Asda in Newport have been raising money throughout the week for Children in Need.

Clare Jones, Asda's community champion, organised a raffle, cake sale, dress up in Disney day, and wear PJs for Pudsey, while another colleague, Louise, did a sponsored silence for a shift.

She said: "On PJs for Pudsey day, most of my colleagues came in onesies or pyjamas and our home shopping team looked amazing in theirs.

"We hope to raise £1,000 for Children in Need and I am very proud of everyone joining in."

Six-year-old Grace Byron raised more than £250 by doing a bake sale of biscuits and cupcakes.

Dad Paul explained that Grace is a pupil at Fiveways (Ryde School).

He said: "Year 2 was sent home last week due to escalating Covid cases and one of Grace's home-learning items was to bake biscuits for her topic lesson. So she thought we should bake more biscuits/cupcakes, etc and sell them for Children in Need."

Grace's bake sale got off to a great start as Seaview Yacht Club allowed her to attend a function (Gentleman’s Lunch) which allowed Grace and her family to initially raise £180.

The remaining money was raised by Seaview residents visiting their house, as well as selling outside Nettlestone Primary School and then visiting various businesses around Ryde.

Children at Cowes Primary School also took part in this year's Children in Need.

Headteacher Stephanie Praetig explained: "Children at Cowes Primary School wore sporty or spotty outfits in exchange for a £1 donation and our amazing kitchen has made biscuits for £1 each.

"All the school also took part in the Cha Cha Slide dance — led by Year 6 pupils — and everyone had lots of fun while raising money for a good cause."

Brighstone Primary School also got into the swing of things by holding a Strictly Come Dancing themed-day for Children in Need.

The whole school took part in a danceathon and headteacher Rebecca Lennon was a hit as Claudia Winkleman too.

In Shanklin, CatURpillars toddler group joined in fundraising for Children in Need.

The children coloured in pictures of Pudsey Bear and the money they paid for the session was donated to this worthy cause.

Janet Harley, who runs the group that meets at the Shanklin United Reformed Church on Friday mornings, said: "Everyone was really pleased to send their donations to Children in Need.

"One little girl, Holly, decided to wear her pyjamas to the session because her brother was having a pyjama day at school and she didn't want to miss out.

"We were so impressed with the quality of the colouring the children did as they are still only pre-school."

In total, the group raised £34.50.