PUDSEY Bear, the popular mascot of BBC Children In Need, visited Watchet last weekend to meet supporters who helped him raise £449.88.

Among them were shopkeepers who had sponsored a spot on a banner produced by local driving instructor Steve Page who took part in the Big Learner Relay (BLR) and with the money previously collected by Steve and his banner, his ‘Just giving’ page now totals £1032. To donate, visit Steve’s Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mr-stumbles-car or Text CARS68 and the amount to 70070.

Steve was just one of the Children In Need supporters who were given quality time with Pudsey.

The cuddly mascot also made a surprise visit to Knights Templar School during assembly on Friday morning and then went on to Little Vikings nursery.

During Friday afternoon, Pudsey spent some time in the Co-op in Liddymore Road collecting donations.

On Saturday afternoon, Pudsey visited many of the shops in town and had his photo taken by just about everyone he met.

A fund raising event followed, at the Bell Inn, with skittles, tombola and a cake stall before Pudsey made his final public appearance at Watchet Town Football Club.

More in tomorrow’s Free Press.