THERE will be fancy dress, crazy challenges and cake baking across Swindon later this week as hundreds of people help raise funds for Children in Need.

The annual event, which takes place on Friday, will see schools and businesses putting themselves to the test in a bid to help disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

On Thursday, Staff at the Esso service station in Rodbourne are starting a 24-hour triathalon, which will see them using gym equipment on their site.

Supervisor Karen Rose said: “It will include a 26 mile run, a 26 mile cucle and a 26,000 metre row as well. We always like to do our part.

“There will be a team of four against myself. I will be doing the whole of the challenge.”

Children from Lydiard Park Academy are set to sing their hearts out as they join thousands to perform a song for Children in Need at Steam.

Eighty pupils from the school in Greendown and eight of its feeder primary schools will be joining another 170 students in the south west to take part in the performance of Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Fronted by Points West’s Alex Lovell, the event, which will run from 6pm to 10pm, will bring a night of fun and fundraising for all the family.

Also taking part in fundraising events will be children at St Leonard’s School in Blunsdon, who will be coming to school in Pudsey clothes. They will also have Pudsey cakes and sweets.

JJs hair group, in Old Town, has organised a fancy dress day on Friday. Clients are also guessing who is who on the baby photo board throughout the week.

Outsource UK Ltd, in Fire Fly Avenue, is raising money through cake baking, spotted clothing wearing and bingo.

A classathon will take place at the Oasis Leisure Centre from 9.30am until 7.30pm on Friday and from 9am until 3.45am on Saturday. It costs £2 per class and all money raised goes to Children in Need.

There will be 18 classes during the two days and fundraisers can take part in as many as they want.

Booking forms are availbale at Oasis Gym reception.

Have you got a Children in Need event this week? Contact Adver reporter Emma Dunn on 01793 501797.