PUDSEY bear made a special appearance at the Trowbridge branch of Lloyds TSB for a fundraising day last Friday (Aug 7) to help the bank raise money for BBC Children in Need.

The bank in Fore Street had face painting, games and treats for children as part of its fundraising effort for the charity, which is the Lloyd’s Banking Group’s charity of the year for 2015 and 2016.

Lloyds is aiming to raise at least £2 million per year through various fundraising activities, with the Trowbridge branch planning a 250-mile sponsored static cycle ride later this year.

Children in Need, which is the BBC’s UK charity, raises money to change the lives of disabled children and young people and holds an annual telethon in November.

Debra Sims, manager of the Trowbridge branch, said: “It was a great day and we had someone face painting the kids as well as another member of staff dressing up as Pudsey.

“We are planning several fundraising activities for Children in Need as they are our charity of the year and we were getting donations from customers throughout the day.

“The event raised £230.55 which is really good considering it was just one day and we still have some sweets left that we are still selling so hopefully that total will keep going up.

“The bank has set a target of raising £4 million for the charity and we have several events planned for the rest of this year. We will be selling donated second hand books and will be doing a 250-mile static cycle ride in October.”