PUDSEY BEAR-MANIA took over York as workers, school children and students took part in crazy stunts to raise money for the BBC Children In Need appeal.

Four-legged fundraiser Butch the dog took to the streets of York in fancy dress to collect cash for the cause.

Butch, donned the Superman outfit, complete with a stars and stripes hat and spent the day collecting in the Coppergate Centre.

The Jack Russell terrier who is owned by Ann Mitchell, of Fulford, has previously dressed as York's last Viking King, Eric Bloodaxe, and a clown to raise money.

At York College more than 200 child studies students wore fancy dress to persuade people to part with their money.

The students dressed up as angels, policewomen and wore T-shirts made by children they had worked with on placements.

Child studies tutor, Sue Rason, said: "The child studies students work very closely with young children and such charities are close to their hearts.

"They have really entered into this charity week - their enthusiasm has been infectious around the college."

Catering students at the college also raised more than £100 by selling Pudsey Bear biscuits and cakes.

Sleepy staff at a Little Joe's Nursery in York were sponsored to wear their pyjamas to work for the day.

Children at the nursery, in Fulford, also joined in and paid £1 to wear their pyjamas and bring in their teddy bears.

Amanda Downes, manager of the nursery, said: "They have had a whale of a time and thought it was wonderful."

Tiny tots from a York music group brought their treasured teddies along to help raise cash.

The youngsters aged between two and four years old who attend Jo Jingles at Earswick Village Hall paid 50p each to bring in their soft toys on Thursday.

Sam Hindmarsh, who runs the group, said: "They quite liked it. A lot of the children were dancing around with their teddies."

A fancy dress day at Fulford pre-school based at St Oswald's School saw five of the children dress up as fairies.

The youngsters all gave a donation to the charity to wear costumes which included Scooby Do and Tigger.

Staff at Boots in York donned false eye lashes and blonde wigs when they went back to the 1960s to raise money.

They held competitions to guess the 1960s baby picture or guess how many glasses were in a basket. They also had a glasses-shaped cake and offered customers the chance to have a glasses MOT for 60p.

Updated: 08:30 Saturday, November 22, 2003