Children in Need is back for another fundraising extravaganza and now, more than ever, Pudsey needs your help.

The charitable event, which started all the way back in 1980, brings together celebrities with the aim of raising money for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

If you're looking to contribute to Children in Need this year, here is everything you need to know.

How to donate to Children in Need

There are several ways people can donate money to Children in Need, including through the internet, on the phone, via text or through the post.

Internet

Those wishing to donate online can do so by visiting the BBC Children in Need website and selecting the 'donate online' button.

From here, users will be prompted to select an amount and determine if this will be a one-off payment.

Phone or text

Donations can also be made over the phone or via text with those choosing to place a call able to ring 0345 733 2233.

To donate by text, you'll need to message a keyword to one of the donation numbers. For example, if you wish to donate £5, you'll need to text FIVE to 70716.

The full list of numbers and codes can be found here.

Recommended Reading: 

How to watch Children in Need 2024 and what to expect on the night 

Children in Need reveals presenter lineup with Vernon Kay, Rochelle Humes and more

Post

According to organisers, Post Offices, HSBC and most other banks & building societies will accept donations all year round.

Who is Pudsey Bear?

You would be forgiven for thinking that Pudsey has been around as long as the BBC fundraiser but he actually didn't come around until much later. 

The first Children In Need telethon was broadcast in 1980 but it had many names and faces before that, with the first-ever children's BBC radio appeal starting in 1927. 

Pudsey might be the iconic mascot of the appeal now but he didn't come to be the face of the charity until 1985, making the beloved bear almost 40 years old.

He was created by a BBC graphic designer called Joanna Lane, who worked in the design department.

Lane told the BBC: “It was like a lightbulb moment for me, We were bouncing ideas off each other and I latched on to this idea of a teddy bear.

"I immediately realised there was a huge potential for a mascot beyond the 2D logo”.