Fundraisers are out in force today in aid of Children in Need.

The annual campaign has got off to a flying start at schools across Maidstone, Malling and the Weald with pupils embracing this year's superhero theme.

Children at Madginford Primary School, in Egremont Road, Bearsted; Leybourne Pre-school in Little Market Row; Wateringbury Primary School in Bow Road and Marlborough House School in Hawkhurst High Street; have all swapped their usual uniform for something more colourful.

Youngsters at Barming Primary School, in Belmont Road, are making a noise about their fundraising efforts while drumming for 14 hours and there will be a series of fun events this afternoon at St Simon stock School, in Oakwood Park, Maidstone.

It's not only schools which are pulling out the stops for Children in Need.

A convoy of learners and driving instructors travelled from Sevenoaks to Maidstone on Saturday to help raise £27,000 for the charity.

The group included Sarah Labrook and her son Max, who only turned 17 last week and underwent four days of intensive training to make sure he was ready for the drive.

Staff at 659 The Salon, in Loose Road, Maidstone, who are wearing Pudsey ears for the day, are doing their bit by selling homemade cakes and other baked treats.

Nearby in Boughton Monchelsea, the cast of the village pantomime dedicated last weekend's performances of Oliver to the appeal.

The national TV appeal will be shown on BBC One from 7.30pm.

If you would like to feature in the Kent Messenger's Children in Need round-up, send details and photos of your fundraising efforts to messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk by noon on Monday, November 24.