FUNDRAISING fever spreads across Hampshire today as hundreds of people embark on charitable challenges for BBC Children in Need.

From fancy dress fun runs to head shaving and hair waxing, people young and old are raising as much money as they can for the cause.

Ambitious fundraisers are hoping to beat last year's Children in Need total, when Southampton residents alone raised £653,869 of the national total of £30m.

The annual appeal, which will be televised on BBC1 tonight, also marks the 25th anniversary of the charity.

Among those taking part in charitable efforts are workers from British Gas, who are braving the elements during a night golf tournament at the County Golf Club in West End to raise £500.

Teenager Christopher Ellyatt, 14, of Saxon Road, Freemantle, is shaving his hair in a fundraising bid, while food will be off the menu for 22-year-old Kerri Middleton as she takes part in a 24-hour fast.

At Southampton Common about 200 Taunton's College students are having a fancy dress fun run, wearing everything from Pudsey Bear costumes to swimsuits.

Pudsey paid a visit to children at Foxhills Infant School in Foxhills Lane, Colbury, near Totton, where the school's Parent-Teacher Association held a biscuit sale.

The cuddly mascot also made an appearance at Moore and Blatch Solicitors in the Avenue, Southampton, where staff are raising money by taking the bear on holiday with them and collecting sponsorship for each trip he makes.

Pudsey is now back in the office having travelled to Dubai, Las Vegas, Lapland, Germany and the Channel Islands.

Organiser Sue Curtis said: "People have been really enthusiastic in taking Pudsey on holiday. It's been a lot of fun for all of us.

"We will probably do something similar next year as there's been a lot of interest in the fundraising."

Members of Salterns Sailing Club in Maiden Lane, Lymington, are hoping to raise thousands of pounds in a 24-hour sponsored sail to beat their impressive £6,000 effort last year.

Elsewhere, a food feast will be hotting up at La Margheritas restaurant at Town Quay, Southampton, during a pasta eating competition.

A cheese and wine tasting event is in store for customers at Asda supermarket in Manchester Street, Southampton. where there will be games and a raffle to entertain the crowds.

At Barclays bank in Portswood, staff are having their chests, backs and legs waxed for the charity.

For details on how you can donate to the BBC's Children in Need appeal go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/donate