Youngsters get into the Pudsey spirit

Newbold Sure Start Children’s Centre's giant Pudsey.

Children from across Rochdale's Sure Start Centres got into the Pudsey spirit to raise funds for Children in Need last week.

Children and parents at Newbold Sure Start Children’s Centre showed off their artistic talents for Children in Need last week as they created a giant Pudsey bear collage. The large piece of artwork was decorated square by square by different parents and children who visited the centre and then were put together to create one giant Pudsey teddy bear made out of card.

This was just one of many fun activities at Newbold Children’s Centre throughout the week. Staff, children and parents also made and sold cakes and attended sessions in silly socks and funky hair styles to raise money for the national charity that helps children have the best start in life.

The giant Pudsey will now be displayed in the centre.

A centre representative said: “What a fun day and all to support a charity which supports children and families who need it the most, a subject close to the heart of Sure Start. This is something the children and the grown ups can join in and enjoy together.”

Other Sure Start Services in Rochdale dug into their books for charity as they took part in a Bring-and-Buy a book for Children in Need. The main office at Crossfield Mill joined four of Rochdale’s Sure Start Children’s Centres in raising money for the annual national charity event.

Staff, parents and children donated the books that they have read and enjoyed and paid 50p for each book that they chose to take away from the sale.

Staff at Crossfield Mill raided their bookshelves to bring a good selection of fiction, non fiction, cookery books and children’s books in for the sale at the offices on Crawford Street.

The staff at the office at Crossfield Mill raised £80 last year. It is hoped with more centres taking part this year, the total will double.

Castlemere, Hamer and Howard Street Children’s centres also took part in the book busting week. As well as raising money for charity, the sale hopes to encourage families to pick up a book and read together.

Derby Street Children’s Centre in Heywood held their book swap through the parents forum on Thursday.

Any books left over will be donated to Springhill Hospice for them to sell for their own funds.

Ruth Taylor, Communications Officer for Sure Start said: “The book sale was very popular and we are pleased that the staff, parents and children have taken this on board to raise money for a worthwhile cause as well as get some new books to read. The book swap is so simple yet so effective and something everyone can join in with!”