SCHOOLCHILDREN, bank workers and estate agents were just some of the people who decided to 'show their spots' for this year's record-breaking Children in Need Appeal.

Across West Somerset, people of all ages went to work or school in fancy dress, held fundraising cake sales and organised money-spinning events, activities and entertainment.

Nationally, the appeal raised more than £23 million on the day itself, some £8 million more than the previous year.

The money is used to support a wide range of children's projects and organisations across the UK.

In West Somerset, fancy dress was the order of the day for many school pupils, including youngsters at Dulverton's All Saints First School whose spotty antics raised almost £140 for the appeal.

At St Dubricius First School in Porlock, children and staff also wore spotty clothes to school in return for a donation towards the appeal.

Class three children added to the fundraising tally by baking cakes to sell during break times.

Class teacher Sue Flatley said: "Although we had a fun day, it had a serious side, too, and we held a special assembly to raise our children's awareness of the fact that not all families in the world are as fortunate as they are."

Pupils at St Peter's First School in Williton wore spots and held a huge fundraising cake sale, children at Old Cleeve First School in Washford also dressed up for lessons and youngsters at Timberscombe First School raised more than £50 for appeal by having a non-uniform day and wearing spots or pyjamas to school.

Not to be outdone by their younger counterparts, grown-ups also did their bit for the appeal, with staff at Webbers Estate Agents in Minehead rising to the occasion by baking a variety of goodies for a cake sale.

Workers at Magna West Somerset's Williton offices raised £90 by wearing spots to work, having a 'guess what cake Pudsey will bake' competition and holding a Pudsey party-themed cake sale.

Also in Williton, kind-hearted workers at the village's NatWest Bank dug into their own pockets to pay for a hamper of treats which was raffled off to customers on Friday.

Their efforts raised more than £220 for the Children in Need Appeal and branch manager Anthony Cridland thanked everyone who had supported the cause.