SCHOOLS are being encouraged to join this year's Children in Need fundraising campaign.

Last year, the Commonweal School, Covingham Park Primary, and other schools around town helped raise more than £18,984 for the annual BBC telethon.

The BBC is working in partnership with educational resource publisher Twinkl to deliver the packs to schools and tailor them to different age groups.

Nurseries and pre-schools can host 'Duggee Days' based on the CBeebies show Hey Duggee to earn Pudsey Badges.

Primary schools can join the Big Spotacular and go spotty to raise money for charity.

They can also host their own Bring and Buy sales of secondhand toys, bake sales, and Pudsey goodies.

Secondary schools are being asked to 'Do Your Thing' and channel their passions, hobbies or fears to help change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

, Claire Hoyle, commercial director of BBC Children in Need, said: "BBC Children in Need’s schools fundraising campaign is back and promises to be better than ever.

"Last year, an amazing amount of funds were raised in Swindon and this year we hope to encourage even more schools and nurseries across the UK to get involved.

"Children helping children really is a marvellous thing.

"Our new fundraising packs are brimming with ideas and tools which will put the ‘fun’ in fundraising."

Schools can sign up for a fundraising pack by visiting bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/schools