Thousands of people across Lancashire did hundreds of silly, entertaining and just downright whacky things to raise money for Children in Need.

People of all ages helped make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK.

Shadsworth Junior School, Arran Avenue, Blackburn, had its fundraising complicated by a visit from the Ofsted inspectors.

Year 5 teacher Susan Danson, who organised the day, said: "There was a bit of panic at the beginning of the week, but its been fine."

The inspection took place with pupils in their own clothes and teachers in uniforms enjoying a day of events including an obstacle race.

The winning house team in the obstacle race got another own clothes day for free.

The Strand Hair and Body Workshop, Perry Street, Blackburn has been fundraising for 20 years, and this year dressed up as police officers.

Shop owner Carolyn Briggs-Conway said: "We've raised £9,700 over 20 years for different charities, but we like to have a bit of fun as well!"

At the Perrys Mazda Garage, Walley New Road, Blackburn, the team dressed up in outfits ranging from a bee to a gorilla, and even Donald Duck made an appearance.

They hit the street to raise £400 for sales manager Steve Langton to shave his head before returning to selling cars, still in their costumes.

Office junior Preston Oakland, of Silk Solicitors, Church BankStreet, Darwen, also had his head shaved.

The company administrator, Adam Berry said: "He loves his hair to bits and it's pretty much all gone now."

All the staff at Giddy Kippers play and party centre, Turner Road, Nelson, dressed up for the day and wore special Pudsey bear ears.

Centre owner Nicola Nuttall said: "All the staff were wearing pyjamas and ears and we invited the kids to join us."

The centre was selling cakes and asking for donations as well as holding a special Children In Need quiz.

A pyjama party was also the theme at Newton nursery school in Colne where staff and children dressed up.

They showed more bravery than many would in mid-November by venturing outside with only pyjamas and dressing gowns for protection against the elements.

The headteacher, Miss Sandra Williams said: "We walked to the library and back in pyjamas and collected money on the way."

The Early Learning Centre, West Street, at Newton also got involved with fundraising of its own.

The centre was awash with colour as staff and children dressed in bright colours.

Leanne Spencer, Early Learning Centre manager said: "We had a rainbow day with everyone in as many colours as they could."

And Pudsy would have felt at home in the centre as the children enjoyed a teddy bears picnic in the afternoon.