FUNDRAISERS threw their weight behind Pudsey bear with gusto on Friday as they set out in style to help the BBC's Children In Need appeal.

Among those taking part were more than 40 students from Wiltshire College Lackham. They flexed their muscles for the cause by pulling a six and a half tonne tractor two miles in and around Lackham's grounds to raise £493.

In Pewsey, members of the Pewsey Flyers trampoline club reached dizzy new heights when they performed 1,178 somersaults in 30 minutes, raising about £300 for Children in Need.

Nine members, including coach Peter Quinney, bounced in relays at the Pewsey Sports Centre.

Eleganz Hair Salon, in Long Street, Devizes, was surprisingly silent on Friday, as Tracy Scott and Annette Franklin were paid to keep their mouths shut. The pair communicated with customers through written messages and translators.

As Annette, 18, broke her silence at 3pm, she said she felt relieved. "It was a good day, a good laugh," she said.

The salon also sold cakes and took donations from customers. They hope to raise more than £500 for the appeal.

Friends Ben Darby and Ashley Maslen, both 11-year-old pupils at Chippenham's Sheldon School, raised £400 when they were locked in police cells at Trowbridge for five hours.

They passed the time playing chess and boardgames. "It was quite good," said Ben. "We had a seat and a long mat, where we played the games. We hoped to raise £200 but we ended up raising £400, so it was really worthwhile."

In Chippenham, Ben Newson and Mark Fuller, both customer service managers with Thomas Cook in the town, braved having their legs waxed to raise money.

Two beauty therapy students did the deed in full view of Chippenham shoppers, helping the travel agents to raise more than £1,217.

Staff from Mountstevens, The Brittox, Devizes, dressed up as Pippi Longstocking for three days last week to raise money for Children in Need.

Manager Angelica Young, 45, said: "We thought we'd make an effort this year. The customers like it and it's fun."

Youngsters at Kingsday Nursery in Malmesbury raised £200. The youngsters dressed in yellow for the day and staff wore multi-coloured outfits. They also held a lucky dip and sold cakes and Pudsey biscuits.

Up to 100 toddlers at Keyday Nursery in Calne wore their pyjamas all day to raise money. Together with a sale of cakes and a raffle, £270 was raised.

Leapfrog Day Nursery at Chippenham also pulled out the stops. Children and staff dressed as their favourite nursery rhyme character, raising £33.

In Marlborough, staff at the Londis store in St Margaret's Mead ran a cake stall and raffle, raising £621.

Elvis Presley made a rare public appearance at Hardenhuish Park on Saturday as Chippenham Town raised cash for the appeal before their league clash with Bilston Town.

Vice-chairman Les Weir donned the king's wig as he refereed a penalty shoot-out challenge.

Pupils at St Bartholomew's School, Wootton Bassett, and at St John's in Marlborough, helped the appeal by staging non-uniform days.