QUIRKY costumes and fun packed sponsored events have been taking place across north and west Wiltshire to raise money for Children In Need.

Events leading up to the BBC's TV marathon tonight have included themed exercise sessions at Fit 2 Perform in Warminster, and a fun line dancing evening with the Outlaws at Paraochial School in Trowbridge.

Fish and chip shop owner Tricia Herbert, of Tricia's Plaice, in Melksham, asked her staff to think up wacky ways to raise money. Events held over the last two weeks have included raffles, draws, a kissathon, fancy dress. Proceeds from the sale of chips today will go to Children In Need.

Mrs Herbert said: "It is an excellent cause. Last year we did very well and we have made an extra special effort.

"We have had a Pudsey Bear shaped cake, and we have all been sponsored to do different things. People have been very supportive."

The Wiltshire Times has also joined the charity drive and editor Stephen White will be joining BBC Wiltshire Sound presenter James Harrison outside Asda tonight.

Mr White will be presenting Pudsey Bear goodie bags and a surprise gift from Asda to the two winners of the joint Wiltshire Times/Wiltshire Sound colouring competition.

Bath Rugby stars Gareth Cooper and Olly Barkley visited Virgin Mobile in Trowbridge on Wednesday. They signed autographs and helped sell treasure hunt squares for donations to the charity.

Performers from the region joined Spandau Ballet star Tony Hadley and Kiki Dee on stage at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, on Saturday for a star-studded talent contest in aid of Children In Need.

Manchester University student Will Walder, 21, of Corsham, heard about the contest on BBC Wiltshire Sound, and auditioned over the telephone there and then.

Mr Walder admitted he had to look up on the internet to see what the eighties singers looked like, although he knew their music.

"It was a great deal and they were quite cool," he said.

Mr Walder and his friend Tom Wilmot will be busking around Corsham, Melksham, Chippenham, Calne, Swindon and Trowbridge today in aid of Children in Need.

Charlene Wiltshire from Melksham and Gavin Hughes from Chippenham also appeared at the talent show.

Students from Matravers School were planning to join the fun today. Youngsters who made an effort and chose to turn up in fancy dress were asked to pay £1 while those who wore ordinary clothes had to pay £1.50.