MONMOUTHSHIRE’S generosity came to the fore last week as thousands of pounds were raised for this year’s Children in Need appeal.

Schools, businesses, community groups and individuals from across the county dressed up and fundraised for the cause.

Osbaston Church in Wales school held a bake off and talent show to raise money for Children in Need.

Star bakers of all ages throughout the school brought in their culinary creations, with Great British Bake Off-style challenges such as ensuring the cakes were of the same size, shape and, most of all, were tasty! The cakes were later sold to raise money for the appeal.

In the afternoon, a talent show took place organised by the pupils. All talent was showcased from dance to music to stand-up comedians. Compered by Evan Hanks, the acts were judged by the school council and the school raised £276.42 for Children in Need.

Children and staff at Monmouth Schools Pre-Prep and Nursery donned spotty and Pudsey Bear-themed clothing in aid of Children in Need.

The children made Pudsey Bear masks and hats and stick-pin Pudsey puppets, while they also took part in a baking competition.

The Friends of Agincourt rounded off a fun-packed day with a cake sale which raised £288.88 for Children in Need.

There was also plenty of activity at Monmouth School Boys’ Prep, where a bring-and-buy and a cake sale helped to raise £555 for Children in Need.

2nd Monmouth Brownies performed their own Eisteddfod whilst raising money for the appeal.

The girls began their Welsh Challenge Badge at the start of term, with lots of tasks along the way. To finish their badge, the girls performed dances, poems, music and acting, and made Welsh cakes to go with refreshments.

Watched by a full audience in Staunton Village Hall the event made for a very entertaining evening.

The Tommy’s Tiddlers baby and toddler group which is held in Ty Price, St Thomas Community Hall joined in on the Children in Need cause. All the children dressed up for the occasion and the group raised £55.

Trellech school raised £170 with cakes, Pudsey masks and hunt the Pudsey Bear fun.

Sunflowers Nursery in Usk held a ‘spotty week’ for Children in Need, including a raffle and arts and crafts with the children.

Karla Brake, owner and manager of the nursery, also arranged an event with the residents of Manor Court retirement development as part of an ongoing twinning project.

A spotacular day at Cross Ash Primary School with Pudsey bear outfits and

a cake sale to raise £508.50?for the national appeal.

The funds raised by annual Children in Need events benefit children across Wales.

Monmouth’s own charity Home-Start, based in Bridges Centre, receives aid from the fundraising phenomenon to help their work with disadvantaged children and families to continue.

Cyfannol Women’s Aid, based in Abergavenny but operational across the county, benefits from funding too, as it provides a mentoring service for boys and young men affected by domestic abuse.

Young carers from across the county are also helped by Carers Trust South East Wales, as the young carers project provides a healthy activity programme for carers to reduce isolation, increase confidence, and improve life skills.

Other causes supported by the funds raised by Children in Need include Arthritis Care; the Children’s HIV Association; DSD Families, for children and young people with differences of sex development; Voices from Care, providing an independent advocacy service; Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre for children suffering from cerebral palsy; and Contact a Family Wales, providing fun days out for disabled children and young people.

For more photos see this week’s edition of the Beacon (22nd November).