COLOURFUL costumes and crazy exploits were in store for the scores of people across Hampshire who joined in fundraising efforts for Children in Need.

A host of cash-collecting activities took place throughout the county to mark the annual event, which aims to help underprivileged youngsters in the UK.

While some fundraisers opted for pyjama parties and Pudsey Bear parachute jumps, others chose to host wine and cheese parties and sponsored sporting events.

Staff at Philips in Second Avenue, Millbrook Industrial Estate, have been shaving their heads for the charity, while HSBC employees in Commercial Road, Southampton, have been involved in chest and leg waxing as well.

Anneleise Peterson, 17, and her sister Rebecca, 15, have also shaved off their hair at their home in Beaulieu Road, Hamble, for Children in Need.

At Asda in Totton, the store's publicity woman Liz Bennett and Redbridge firefighter Mike Szymanski competed to see how long they could sit in a bath full of compost for the charity.

Quizzes and football matches were the order of the day at TML Financial Solutions in George Curl Way, Southampton.

Pupils at Brockenhurst College in Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, held a host of events, including fancy dress, live music and a dunking machine with the chance to get their own back on their teachers.

At Paint Pots Nursery in Waterloo Road, Southampton, children under five were doing their bit for the charity by wearing pyjamas all day and eating Pudsey Bear biscuits.

Manager Debbie Patten said: "We've had a very good turnout. It's been going really well and the children are really enjoying themselves. We're hoping to raise more than £200."

Staff and pupils at Wildern School in Wildern Lane, Hedge End, enjoyed a day of Children in Need activities, including pupils versus teachers netball and football matches and three-legged races.

A cheese and wine party took place at McCarthy and Stone in Fielders Court, High Street, West End.

At Skandia House in Portland Terrace, staff threw their Pudsey Bears over a balcony for a charity parachute jump.

Fitness fanatics at Busy Bodies gym in Locks Heath Road, Locks Heath, took part in an all day gymathon, where about 200 members were doing sponsored rows and bike rides.