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Pudsey and his friends managed to raise a huge total for Children in Need at the Westfield Centre in Derby this year.

The massive total of £ 784,975 broke the previous regional record of £725,000 set last year.

The presenters for this year's event were Anne Davies, from ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ East Midlands Today, and actor Jonathan Wilkes.

A highlight of the evening was Pudsey Does Stars in Their Eyes with performers including Des Coleman from East Midlands Today, Frances Finn from Radio Nottingham, Ed George from Radio Derby and Tony Wadsworth from Radio Leicester.

Professional judges chose Ed George as Robbie Williams as their winner - it was a great night filled with fantastic performances.

There was also a chance to meet Miss England and Panto stars on the night.

Pudsey hosted a Sci-fi Party with characters and vehicles from favourite science fiction films and TV shows.

We saw Star Wars, Star Trek and Doctor Who characters and the "Fab1" car from Thunderbirds. There were plenty of opportunities to see the special sci fi guests and to have photos taken with one of them or Pudsey Bear.

There was plenty of live music, dancers, Junior Jedi's and lots more fun! And Pudsey and Anne even switched on the Westfield Christmas Lights!

Some fund-raising events included one by a Leicester firm- Alltruck Plc - that saw the profits from the rental of a truck for ONE YEAR donated to Children in Need. Well done to them and everyone else who raised money for 2008.

Let's do even better next year.