NOVEMBER 19, 2012: PEOPLE across Inverclyde knocked spots off other places as they dressed up and dug deep into their pockets to raise thousands for Children in Need.

The annual national appeal prompted a raft of local fundraisers and events to gather cash for the worthy cause.

Schools across the district held a series of special events which saw pupils don some very colourful costumes.

At Lady Alice Primary School in Greenock pupils dressed up as their favourite sporting heroes. They got on their bikes and pedalled to power up Play Stations for an afternoon of gaming fun while a bake sale was also organised to help gather money.

Pupils at Whinhill Primary and Inverclyde Academy also organised a day of fun fundraising events as did staff at the Waterfront Leisure Centre gym.

Youngsters at Lady Alice Nursery held a pyjama party for Children in Need in 2012.Youngsters at Lady Alice Nursery held a pyjama party for Children in Need in 2012. (Image: Newsquest) Meanwhile big-hearted workers at the RBS mortgage centre in Greenock donated their time and their cash as they manned the phone lines to take pledges from people throughout the televised appeal on Friday night.

More then 160 staff helped collect the donations from 7pm to 12.30am whilst also taking part in some organised events themselves.

Workers were challenged to dress up in funny hats and wigs and enjoyed some tasty home baking in exchange for vital donations.

Lucia Giuntoli,communications manager at the RBS Mortgage Centre, said: “We organised a number of events—and the most popular was ‘pie a team manager in the face’.

“The atmosphere was great all day. This is the ninth year that we have taken calls for the charity and it has always been a great success.

“Last year we took 2,996 calls and this equated to £128,000 in donations.

“This year we signed up to take on more lines, so hope to have raised even more.”

The centre thanked takeaway Gianni’s, which kindly donated food to help staff through the night.