Jolly jokers took over Bradford today to raise a chuckle and some cash for Comic Relief.

From a full martial arts display in the centre of Shipley to a sponsored ball juggle by young football players in Tong, the district was buzzing with activity for Red Nose Day.

The business community ditched its sometimes stuffy image to join in the fun, with Steve O'Leary of Baker Tilly Accountants, pictured, donning a scarlet hooter while giving out shares advice.

Mr O'Leary, tax technical manager for the company, urged shareholders to transfer stocks directly to Comic Relief, rather than hand over cash from shares sales, as less money would be lost in tax.

Colin Nesbitt, a customer care worker with Magnet Kitchens in Crossflatts, meanwhile, took more direct action to help the cause - by having his chest hair waxed off in front of colleagues.

Mr Nesbitt, who has raised at least £1,300 from the effort, said: "I am the hairiest bloke I know, without a joke. I am a human fur ball, furrier than Robin Williams, so I knew this would hurt.

"But I've done it because the pain I put up with is nothing compared to the pain the deprived kids around the world, who'll be getting this money, are suffering."

A four-strong team of hirsute security staff at Green Flag's Pudsey site also had a close shave for the day, having their beards shorn off with cut throat razors in the company car park.

Inland Revenue workers in Shipley, meanwhile, managed to keep smiling as they were pelted with wet sponges while held in stocks in the Market Square.

Littlewoods manager Darren Kay also kept up a brave appearance as he spent the day in a shop window at the chain's city centre store - wearing only boxer shorts.

The Kirkgate centre shop hopes to have raised a total of £5,000 for Comic Relief, with other members of staff holding raffles and sponsored leg waxes.

The only dark cloud on an action packed day of fundraising was a last-minute red nose shortage - with both Sainsbury's and Oxfam, the two official suppliers, running out of the comedy conks yesterday.

Donations to Comic Relief, which works with deprived people in the UK and overseas, can still be made by calling 08457 910910.