GROUPS across the district are preparing to take on a whole host of fundraising challenges for the annual Children In Need appeal.

The charity event takes place on Friday, and locally it will be broadcast from Bradford College’s David Hockney Building.

Events taking place to raise money for the BBC run appeal include cycling marathons, leg waxes and golf tournaments, as well as bake sales and school fancy dress events.

Throughout the week, staff and students at the University of Bradford are taking part in a static Lands End to John o’ Groats cycle ride that will see them taking turns to ride bikes in the university atrium until they cycle the equivalent of the cross country trek.

There will also be a cake and savoury bake sale in the Faculty of Health Studies reception on the day.

Bradford College hosted the BBC’s local coverage of the event two years ago, and on Friday a full crew will return to the Great Horton Road building.

Andy Welsh, the chief executive of the, is also saddling up for a cycling challenge, forming a team with friends from Bradford Cycle Club that, between them, will attempt to cycle 300 miles in 60 minutes on static bikes.

He said: “Doing an average of 30 miles per hour is going to be quite tough for me but there is an experienced team of cyclists around me so I am confident we will meet the challenge.

“At Bradford College we have been keen supporters of Children in Need over the years. The show was televised from the college two years ago and we are delighted to welcome the BBC back again.”

Other fundraising events at the college include a sponsored leg wax, fun run, bake sale and a sponge-a-member-of-staff event.

The Shipley Golf Club will stage its 25th anniversary competition for the national charity on Friday. The club has held the event to raise money for the charity for the past 25 years, and hope this year’s tournament helps the total amount they have raised in this time pass the £200,000 milestone.

Before they arrive in Bradford, Look North presenters Harry Gration and Amy Garcia are taking on a five-day fundraiser for the charity that will end with them riding a tandem bike to cycle from Pudsey to Bradford City Park on Friday, passing through Keighley, Bingley and Shipley on the way. They will then head to the college.