STUDENTS, bar staff, pupils and factory workers were among the many people across the Staffordshire Moorlands who took part in Red Nose Day on Friday.
Friday proved a fun day at Leek High School where students helped raised £800 for the Comic Relief event.
Teenagers put on their red noses and pulled out all the stops with all sorts of fun activities, from the whole school dancing the Harlem Shake in assembly to gunging teachers during the lunch break.
Top of the list of teachers students wanted to see gunged proved to be assistant head Simon Broad and pastoral leader Matt Goodwin, who each received a bucket of cold jelly and custard over his head in the school playground.
Organiser, science teacher Steve Emberson, said: “Students, staff and parents have all dug deep today to raise such a great sum of money for a fantastic cause.
“We have sold 180 red noses and raised over £250 through a non-uniform day.” Staff at auctioneer Bagshaws’ Bakewell Office baked a lselection of confectionery to sell on a cake stall at Bakewell Market.
A spokesman said: “The highlight of the day was a beautifully iced cake selling at £40, which was auctioned in the store cattle ring.
“Thank you to everyone for their support in helping to raise a grand total of £350.” Meanwhile, staff at Adams Foods in Leek took part in a cake-making competition for Red Nose Day. Staffordshire Moorlands MP Karen Bradley took on the challenge of tasting and judging the culinary competition.
Leek Sainsbury’s colleagues, including managers, got “funny for money” by having a go at a Rodeo Bull competition, and also bathing in custard.
The store also hosted a Family Fun Day on Saturday which included children’s competitions.
Sainsbury’s Leek Store Manager Julie Hatton said: “It is the 25th anniversary of Red Nose Day and we wanted to go all out to celebrate our partnership with Red Nose Day and encourage our community to join in the fun.” Sainsbury’s has raised more than £63.5 million for Comic Relief since their partnership began in 1999.
Villagers joined forces in Waterhouses to host a largescale cake sale for Comic Relief.
The Village Bake Sale took place at the Waterhouses Hub and saw many local organisations get involved including Little Doves Playgroup, Waterfall Women’s Institute, a gardening club and residents.
The event also gave youngsters the opportunity to decorate cookies with funny faces and red noses.
Liddy Hamilton, secretary of Waterhouses Hub, said: “This was a joint community event to make something yummy for money.
“It also gave everyone in the village a chance to have a coffee, chat with their neighbours and have a cheeky treat.” Pupils at Blackshaw Moor First School showcased their creative sides on stage on Friday.
The school hosted Blackshaw Moor’s Got Talent, in aid of Red Nose Day, which saw a variety of different acts entertain an audience in the school hall.
The Horseshoe Inn at Longnor held a charity auction and raised more than £3,000.
Co-landlord Robert Lownds said: “This was the first time we held a Red Nose Day event and it went really well.
“We have decided to give £2,000 to Comic Relief and £1,000 to the local First Responders.
“We would like to thank everyone who donated to the auction and everyone who supported it.” Youngsters at Tain Cottage Day Nursery, in Rudyard, enjoyed a week of activities and dressing up for Comic Relief.
Pupils and staff at Woodcroft First School in Leek also dressed up in something funny on Friday.
Some attended the school day in their pyjamas, while other attended with their clothes on back-to-front.
And finally, staff at St Edward’s Academy in Leek certainly did something funny for money on Friday.
In the run-up to the fundraiser, pupils voted for what they wanted their teacher to dress-up as for Red Nose Day.
The outifts included male princesses, cartoon characters, nuns and animals.
The school raised more than £1,000 for the Comic Relief effort.
