Fundraisers help children

Pudsey Bear took time out of his busy schedule to drop in on children at Darley Dale Churchtown and Darley Dale Primary schools.

The visit was part of a tour of the Matlock area undertaken by the charity mascot on the back of a rickshaw, specially altered by DFS to feature a two–seater sofa.

The vehicle was driven by Sam Slater, of Winster, who works at the DFS showroom in Darley Dale.

He said: “Everyone’s been very generous. We started off at Twiggs in Matlock and all the staff and public all contributed.”

The effort was part of a nationwide fundraising initiative by DFS in support of Children in Need.

Elsewhere kind-hearted Dales people are planning all manner of antics to raise money for the cause.

On Friday children and staff at Matlock All Saints Infant School, in Dimple Road, will be donning their capes and masks and going into school dressed as superheroes.

The youngsters will also be making a Pudsey in the playground using money raised and selling cakes in the school hall between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Meanwhile students from Highfields School will be having a pyjama party on school grounds which will involve cake sales, penny trails, competitions and throwing wet sponges.

Matlock resident Gary Jones will be taking to four wheels to do his bit for the cause, taking part in a 24–hour kart race at the Pole Position Indoor Karting Circuit in Leeds.

Gary will be competing as a member of a team called Covjartsport Crusaders.

Sponsored by Ginetta cars, it is hoped the race will raise £20,000 for the charity.