Big-hearted Bradfordians raised thousands of pounds yesterday as people across the district helped to raise money for BBC Children In Need.

From fancy dress Smurfs and the waxing of a college principal’s leg to chilli jam sausages and a Zumba marathon, a whole range of imaginative fundraising methods were on show across the district.

Year 13 students at Queensbury School organised a range of fundraising events yesterday, as part of their A Level Business Studies course.

Katie Wainwright, 17, Emma Copland, 17, and Rebecca McBride, 18, organised the event.

Business teacher Beverley Denton said: “The students have to organise an event as part of their A Level business course.

“I don’t know the takings at break but the hall and the room they set up was packed full of students buying food from the stalls, taking part in games and the silent auction and guessing the name of the dog.”

Miss Wainwright said she hoped the event would raise about £300 in total.

Keelham Hall Farm Shop, in Thornton, was raising money yesterday by selling sausages made from chilli jam, which is produced in Pudsey.

Joint owner Victoria Robertshaw said: “We did them last year and there were such a hit that we did them again this year, and every packet we sell, 50p goes to Children In Need.

“Last year we raised about £500 on the day so it all helps and we thought we would do it again this year.”

Meanwhile, Shipley College principal Nav Chohan was joined by student liaison officer Andrew Hamilton and year 12 student Johnny Teale in getting their legs waxed in front of a packed room at the college.

He said: “I have never done anything like this before – I’m very surprised that people enjoy watching other people in pain so much.

“The whole college is getting involved and it seemed as it the principal ought to do something, and the idea of me in pain went down quite well.”

Bradford Bulls got in on the act by putting BBC Radio Leeds presented Alex Belfield through his paces as he held his morning show at the Tong School Training Centre.

Bulls football manager Stuart Duffy said: “We are delighted to be able to help with this worthwhile cause.

“Alex certainly earned his money as the players didn’t hold back in the tackle.”

Three larger-than-life blue Smurfs visited a Bradford care home to raise money for the appeal.

Vicki Hitchcock, Alison Sanderson and Lisa Clayton, who work at Anchor’s Springfield care home, in Western Way, Bradford, painted their faces blue and dressed up as the children characters as they went collecting money yesterday.

The trio were the surprise guests when children from Reevy Hill nursery attended the fun day.

The ND Dance and Total Dance academies held a Zumba marathon at the Fitness First gym in Eccleshill to raise money for the cause.

The marathon was held by two qualified Zumba instructors until just one person was left standing.

Staff at Bradford’s two Specsavers stores donned fancy dress for the day while shoppers had the chance of donating money and trying their luck at winning one of the many prizes up for grabs on a tombola.

The teams at the Darley Street and Girlington stores dressed up as characters ranging from Superman to Santa, and were on hand throughout the day with collection buckets.

Peter Rooke, director of the stores, said: “We are very excited to be involved with raising money for such an important worthwhile charity.”

Meanwhile, Ewen Godfrey, who works for Education Bradford, said goodbye to his beard of many years to raise cash for the cause.

He said: “I have only been without a beard for a few months about 20-years-ago – so I’m not used to shaving.”

Four members of staff at Open Moves performed a version of Queen’s I Want To Break Free in full drag while staff at Car Care Plan, Thornbury, also held a number of events yesterday, to raise money.

College students raised £260 for Children in Need when they manned a stall at a car boot sale.

Craven College sports massage students raised the cash at the Skipton Auction Mart.

Meanwhile, Skipton youngsters brought their teddies to school for the cause.

The children from Otley Street Nursery held a picnic for their teddies, sang songs and also played teddy bear games.

Altogether, the event raised more than £125 for the annual fundraising event.

And youngsters and staff at Bridge House Day Nursery in Steeton "wore spots to raise lots" for BBC Children in Need.

They donned spotted clothing and each donated £1 to the cause.