Pyjamas have been worn, legs have been waxed and games have been played as Children in Need fever has taken centre stage once more.

Eastern Daily Press: Youngsters from Reydon Primary school dress-up for Children In Need 2016.Youngsters from Reydon Primary school dress-up for Children In Need 2016. (Image: © Archant 2016)

Hundreds of people across Lowestoft and Waveney have been putting the fun into fund-raising as they support the annual appeal.

Whether it was wearing something spotty, heading to school in pyjamas, superhero outfits or onesies, or taking part in a series of fun activities, youngsters have been entering into the spirit of the occasion by raising funds for Children in Need.

Themed lunches, games, competitions, non-uniform events and a family play session at Lowestoft Library have also been held as locals boost the national appeal. The popular national fund-raising drive will reach its peak tonight (Friday) during a star-studded telethon on BBC One, from 7.30pm.

Lowestoft Library hosted a Pudsey's family play session this morning. During the library's normal family play session between 10am and 11.30am, monies were raised for Children in Need.

Eastern Daily Press: Face painting at Lowestoft Library, as a Pudsey’s family play session was held. Victoria Steel paints the face of Fraser Pavitt (three). Picture: MICK HOWESFace painting at Lowestoft Library, as a Pudsey’s family play session was held. Victoria Steel paints the face of Fraser Pavitt (three). Picture: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

As well as the usual crafts, there was a competition to colour in Pudsey and possibly win a goody bag, face-painting and a visit from the Bookstart Bear – a friend of Pudsey – who gave the enthusiastic youngsters a warm hug and wave, before posing for a group photo with the children.

Wendy Jinkerson, information and library advisor, said: 'This is our regular family play, drop-in session, where we normally get about 25 children attend. The aim is to try and raise as much money as possible for Children in Need – and tomorrow (Saturday) in the front foyer of the library, we are holding a Pudsey's crafty Saturday event, from 10am to 1pm.'

Children and families are all welcome to come along for a fun Pudsey-themed craft session, with a chance to donate to Children in Need.

Three members of staff at a Lowestoft opticians have been putting their pain threshold to the test – as they raise money for the worthy cause.

Eastern Daily Press: Legs and a chest was waxed at the Specsavers store in Lowestoft as part of the Children in Need fund-raiser. Ria Stephenson waxes the chest of Steve Mensa-Annan. Picture: MICK HOWESLegs and a chest was waxed at the Specsavers store in Lowestoft as part of the Children in Need fund-raiser. Ria Stephenson waxes the chest of Steve Mensa-Annan. Picture: MICK HOWES (Image: Archant)

Employees at the Specsavers store in London Road North volunteered to have their chest and leg hair waxed for the charity.

Mark Devlin and Lewis Taylor both had their legs waxed, while Steve Mensa-Annan had his chest waxed this morning and the 'brave' trio were sponsored for their effort. Other members of staff all dressed up for the occasion – donning onesies, dressing gowns and pyjamas – as customers donated to the appeal in the store.

'Children in Need is obviously a massive charity and we saw it as a great opportunity do so something fun to raise money,' said Lowestoft store director, David Holcombe.

Schools also joined in the fun, with events aplenty involving pupils and staff.

Pupils at Reydon Primary School donned pyjamas and onesies for a dress up day, and youngsters were also asked to bring in loose change to cover up a giant image of Pudsey Bear.

Deputy headteacher, Linda Ellis, said: 'The children also brought in their own teddies dressed in spots for a competition."

? Have you held an event for Children in Need? Send pictures and details to mark.boggis@archant.co.uk