HAMPSHIRE is in the grip of Children in Need fever today as the county gears up for the annual charity appeal.

Office workers, toddlers and soldiers are among the hundreds of volunteers raising funds for impoverished children across the UK.

Organisers are hoping today's ingenious and wacky fundraising events around the county will help them beat last year's regional total of £700,000.

The fundraising frenzy has already begun for Hampshire's Shelley Jory who raised £11,500 for the appeal.

The 2005 British Honda Powerboat Champion pushed the boat out for charity by auctioning a powerboat racing experience on BBC Radio 2.

This afternoon pupils and teachers from Crescent Primary School in Eastleigh will be going to school dressed up as children's toys.

As well as fancy dress every child will be bringing in a toy for their toy stall at the school, in Tonybee Road, from 3.15pm.

Sleepy staff at Fareham marketing company LCM PR are having a duvet day today and coming into work and meeting clients in their pyjamas and wrapped in duvets.

It is hoped people will flock to see the falconry display today at Watts Park opposite Southampton Central Library. Six birds, including hawks, owls and falcons, will be on display from 11am to 3pm.

Children at a toddler group in Bishop's Waltham raised £30 by wearing their pyjamas or bringing in their teddy bear for the day at Upham Toddler Group.

Charitable fundraisers at a Champagne reception in Southampton raised their glasses to the appeal by collecting £3,505.58.

More than 120 people attended the bubbly fundraiser at Dock Gate 20 Harley Davidson, Heritage House, which also held a fashion show and auction.

About 30 staff and toddlers at Paint Pots nursery in Bursledon Road, Sholing, raised more than £200 by holding a pyjama party.

Tonight BBC South is holding a special night of entertainment at the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to celebrate the Children in Need appeal.

Sally Taylor and Roger Johnson will begin the evening by presenting South Today live from the tower and meeting fundraisers.

Pop stars the Cheeky Girls and Scottish singer Sandi Thom will head the line-up, which runs from 6pm to 10pm.

Southampton groups including rock-fuelled funksters Boss Nass, a Chinese music and dance group and a rhythmic gymnastics troupe will also be joining the fundraising frolics.

n Children in Need starts on BBC 1 tonight at 7pm.