PUDSEY bear and a fleet of spotty cars sped into Swindon this week for a national charity event.

Driving instructors from across the town united for the Big Learner Relay in aid of Children In Need.

The relay features driving instructors and pupils across the country relaying a top box from one driving lesson to another.

In a two week, 2,800 mile journey, each instructor will come up with creative ways to raise funds. People can sponsor a spot and donate money to sign a coloured spot and stick it on an instructor’s car.

Although the official event didn’t speed through Swindon this year instructors from Swindon Young Drivers made their fundraising presence felt with a mini relay which took in primary schools and the Magic Roundabout.

The beloved bear dropped into three schools, including St Mary’s Catholic, Moredon and Drove, much to the delight of schoolchildren.

The grand total raised this year by the Swindon team is £1,750, beating last year’s total of £1,600, with the national cash pot sitting at £37,000.

Driving instructor Jo Silvester said she was amazed by the success of this year’s event.

“We’re all absolutely amazed by it, we really can’t believe how well it has all gone. It unites all the driving instructors in the town and it’s something fun that everybody can get involved in. We all love doing it because the cars and Pudsey bring a smile to people’s faces every time they see him.

“The adults were more excited than the children about meeting Pudsey. There were lots of selfies being taken.

“Pudsey was giving the thumbs up, dancing so the children absolutely loved him. They were very excited, they wanted to come up and feel how soft his fur is.

“Children in Need is such a fabulous charity and getting involved with the children is not only fun but it teaches them that charity begins at home and it really does."

Last year an impressive £1,600 was raised in Swindon with nearly £100,000 donated overall nationally.

For further information or to sponsor a spot call Swindon Young Drivers on 07562348616.