Pudsey helps Forres to raise £1400 for Children in Need

Local volunteers spent more than six hours making a bucket collection at a supermarket with a very familiar mascot.

World famous Pudsey Bear joined Forres Rotary members including Andy Wardley and Don Mackenzie at Tesco, helping to raise £1400 for Children in Need.

Rotary president, Jackie Stephen, said: “Adults and children alike were very pleased to see Pudsey - some wanted a hug, others a selfie. He brought a smile to everyone's face.”

Children in Need is the BBC's charity for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK. An annual telethon is held in November and televised on BBC One and BBC Two. Since it began in 1980, it has so far raised over £1 billion.

Pudsey Bear has been the charity’s mascot since 1985. The 2015 campaign marked its 30th birthday. In 2022, Pudsey was given a redesign, making the multicoloured spots on his bandana larger and adding them onto the soles of his feet.

Forres Rotary projects have included: Forres Fireworks; Santa’s Sleigh; Children in Need Quizes; seniors’ high tea; Shoebox appeals; Know Your Blood Pressure; Forres Academy practice interviews; Bunono School improvement; young musician; Artist and Writer, Helge’s Hole Refurbishment; disaster relief appeals and more.

“Forres Rotary raises funds for a variety of causes,” said Jackie, “both local and international.

“Children in Need is a well-established and cherished charity so we are pleased to raise funds for it.”

For more information visit Forres Rotary’s website.