IT’S that time of year once again!

Fundraising events have been held all over Swindon for Children in Need this week.

At Lawn Manor Academy, more than 140 pupils took part in a musical extravaganza on Wednesday which raised over £700.

Pupils from music, dance and drama classes in all year groups sang and danced show-stopping numbers from their favourite musicals.

A sold-out audience of family members and friends watched the performances.

Parent Alona-Jaye Clark said: “I congratulate the staff and students involved in the show, it was wonderful to see so many students playing instruments - amazing work, well done to all.”

Headteacher Sandra Muir said: “I am extremely proud of the pupils who performed and for the staff who have put in the extra hours out of school time to enable this showcase to take place.”

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  • Staff at Lawn Manor Academy

Caroline Jarvis, head of dance at Lawn Manor Academy, said: “It’s important that pupils get an opportunity to perform and what better way to raise money for Children in Need than by doing something which they love.”

Even more money was raised on Friday with a non-uniform day and a ‘sponge the teacher’ event at the school.

Meanwhile, staff at Specsavers in the town centre also had a non-uniform day and held a raffle and cake sale to fundraise for the appeal.

A giant teddy bear, a Pudsey glasses case and a hamper full of goodies were some of the prizes on offer.

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  • Specsavers' staff Stacey Howlett,Caroline Swan, Megan Harper,  Laura Dixon and Sam Stratton. Picture by Thomas Kelsey

Manager Lorraine Akers said: “We’ve been raising money for Children in Need since it began.

“It’s good fun and it puts everyone in a good mood.”

Caroline Swan, administrator, said: “The staff and public have been so generous, as they usually are.”

Store director Martin Skehan said: “Children in Need is a fantastic charity and we had a fun-filled fundraising day in store.

“We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who came and took part in Friday’s fundraising for your generosity and support.”

Dr David Jones, of Lawn Medical Centre, bravely volunteered to have his legs waxed by a nurse at the centre.

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  • Dr David Jones is waxed by a nurse Carol Flinders for Children in Need. Picture by Thomas Kelsey

He said: “I thought ‘Why not?’, it’s for a good cause and, as medics, we should be as supportive of Children in Need as we can.

“I know it’s going to hurt but, hey, no pain no gain.

“I love working here, it’s a fantastic practice to work for.”

Before the wax, Dr Jones had already raised almost £200.