CHILDREN and teenagers in Ilkley thought of youngsters less fortunate than themselves as they supported the BBC Children in Need appeal.

The annual appeal, which was launched on Friday, saw all manner of sponsored events take off around the country, to raise money for disadvantaged

children living in the UK.

It has so far raised more than £13 million nationally this year - more than last year's final total -and donations are still flooding in.

Young members of the Ilkley community showed their support by taking part in events around the area on Friday.

Motorists and shoppers around town may have been taken by surprise at the sight of 250 Ilkley Grammar School pupils taking part in a giant fancy dress three-legged race.

All Year Nine pupils donned a fancy dress costume, tied their ankle to that of a friend, and hobbled along a two-mile course around the town. They were sponsored by friends and relatives to take part in the race, and carried buckets to collect donations from motorists, shops and passers-by.

The school has run the event in the past, organised by Year Nine head, Eileen Wilshaw. And this year members of staff joined the pupils on the race.

The event has so far raised more than £2,000, although sponsorship money is still being

collected in and counted.

Meanwhile youngsters at Clevedon House School's Day Care Nursery were sponsored to go to school in pyjamas on Friday to raise money for the appeal. The babies and toddlers at the nursery took along their

pyjamas, slippers, dressing gowns and teddy bears for the day.

Nursery Manager and Nursery Nurse, Sarah Coughlan, joined in the pyjama party. The participants enjoyed a Teddy Bear's Picnic Tea later in the day.

The efforts of young Ilkley people were commended by Ilkley Parish Council chairman, Mike Gibbons.

Coun Gibbons said: "I'd like to applaud the significant contribution that the young folk are making towards Children in Need.

"It's great to see them out on the streets of the town centre enjoying themselves and in good spirits, helping a good cause.

"I hope they raise a significant amount because they deserve to. I would like on behalf of the parish to thank them because at the end of the day no one is making them do this, they're doing it because they want to."