THOUSANDS of Hampshire residents were out in force yesterday to raise cash for Children in Need.

Locals took part in scores of fundraising events for the BBC charity, which supports disadvantaged children and young people in the UK

Since 1980 it has raised more than £600 million, with its annual telethon held last night.

In Southampton, scores of ski and snowboard lovers took to the slopes to raise cash for the cause.

Active Nation, who run Southampton’s sports and leisure facilities on behalf of Southampton City Council, threw open its doors to offer free lessons and use of its facilities, for 24hours, in aid of Children in Need.

Visitors using the slopes were urged to donate to the cause to help the centre reach its target of £1,000.

And staff at the centre welcomed both novice and experienced skiers and boarders.

More than 50 people braved the slopes, with 13 venturing between 12.30am and 5am.

Karen Platt, operations manager, said: “It has been an amazing day. People have turned up in fancy dress and everything to raise money.”

At Barton Peveril college, the student committee hosted a bake-off, pictured above inset.

One of the student committee members, Sean Rickard, said: “It was an outstanding success. Students were getting involved and we really felt we were making a difference for such a worthwhile charitable cause. We would like to thank the staff, students, and visitors for their support.”

More than 400 pupils at Harefield Primary got to wear their pyjamas by donation £1.

And Noadswood School was one of just 10 secondary schools nationwide to win a took part in a media workshop.

BBC journalist, Victoria Fritz and independent producer/director Michael Wray visited the pupils as part of its Big Spotacular - the schools fundraising campaign by Lloyds Bank and BBC Children in Need.