CHILDREN at Mama Bear’s Day Nursery and Pre-Schools across Somerset have had to get creative with their Children in Need fundraising efforts this year, in order to abide by Covid-19 restrictions.

Instead of the usual bake sales, raffles, teddy bear picnics and spare change collections, the tots have enjoyed pyjama days, crazy hair days, bear hunts and Pudsey crafts to mark the important cause.

And instead of donating cash, parents and carers supported the charity via an online link - showing their generosity in raising more than £1,000.

Tony Driffield, co-owner of the family-run Mama Bear’s group, said: “We are great supporters of Children in Need every year, and each one of our nurseries took part in some activity to raise money for the charity, albeit in a different way this year.

“As with most things in 2020 we got creative to ensure we still raised a fantastic amount for the cause and gave the children a week of fun activities to enjoy and remember.

“Every day was a dressing up day with a couple of crazy hair days thrown in as well.

"The nursery managers also organised a host of additional activities including arts and crafts, games and story time sessions.

“This charity has always been close to our hearts as it is all about helping children.

"We’re so pleased to have raised such a fantastic amount, especially under the circumstances of this year, and we hope it makes a small difference to those in need.”

Mama Bear’s was established in 2002 and now provides care for more than 2,000 children per week.

The group has 24 nursery sites, with 16 of them in Bristol, three in Torbay, two in Plymouth, one in Bridgwater, one in Taunton and one in Yeovil.

You can donate to their fundraising effort here, and learn more about the Mama Bear’s group here.