MAKE it the best yet! That's the message from the organisers behind the BBC Children in Need appeal to people in the Basingstoke area.

This year's big event takes place on Friday when Terry Wogan, Fearne Cotton, Natasha Kaplinsky and a whole host of other celebrities such as Girls Aloud, Emma Bunton and Stephen Fry will be staging a star-studded fundraising gala on BBC One.

People in and around the borough are being encouraged to get involved in the fun and dig deep in their pockets to help put a smile on Pudsey's face.

Every year, Children in Need improves the lives of thousands of children in the UK and a large amount of the money raised comes from people who organise sponsored fun events and activities.

Schools, colleges, offices and sports clubs will be among those taking part in this year's appeal by raising hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Last year, generous people across the South of England raised more than £700,000.

In north Hampshire, people organised fancy dress parties, held cake sales and took part in some more unusual activities, such as handbell ringing, posing as Robbie Williams or wearing pyjama bottoms for a day.

There are many ways of raising money - such as organising dressing-down days, or holding a competition for the best and worst dressed person at work or school.

Why not busk for your workmates or challenge them in a tournament of table football?

More fundraising ideas, competitions and useful links are available on the BBC Children in Need website on www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey where you can order a fundraising pack or donate money directly.

The appeal night starts at 7pm on BBC One on Friday.

  • Are you holding a Children in Need event? Call the newsdesk on 01256 337444 or click here. Why not use the comments feature below to let people know about your event?