ADULTS and children across the area got into the spirit of BBC television's Children in Need appeal yesterday and came up with some weird ways to raise money.

Staff working at Orange, in Darlington, paid to have their feet massaged while they took calls from business customers.

Farrlands Holistic Therapy provided the massage services free.

As well as massaging feet staff went into work wearing unusual footwear, from fluffy slippers to platform shoes.

Business customer director Warren Buckley said: "The creativity of our staff when fundraising never ceases to amaze me."

In Newton Aycliffe, staff and children at the Little Acorns nursery spent the day in their pyjamas and raised money through sponsorship.

Chris Swain, the owner of the Walworth Castle Hotel, near Darlington, conquered his fear of heights to complete a sponsored abseil from the 60ft castle tower. He and nine members of staff completed the abseil and raised more than £1,000.

Meanwhile, brave Beverley Sanderson, 30, parted with her hair to raise money for the television appeal. She raised more than £500 by having her head shaved.

Station Taxis, in Darlington, were raising money with a raffle to win a Winnie the Pooh bear, and staff decorated one of the company's cars with the appeal's Pudsey Bear motif.

In Hurworth, the secondary school filled a Pudsey Bear-shaped board with coins. Pupils also took part in a non-uniform day, a bring-and-buy sale and a sponsored silence.

Year seven pupils held a coffee morning earlier in the week and raised £144.50.

At Hurworth Primary School, pupils Catherine Holme and Jessica Atkinson organised a bring-and-buy sale and spent the day handcuffed together. Pupils also took part in a non-uniform day, and Rebecca Edwards did a sponsored silence.

Greenfield School Community and Arts Centre, Newton Aycliffe, and Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College, held non-uniform days.

Bishop Auckland College held a Funky Feet Day, with tutors and students wearing outrageous footwear, including slippers, flippers, clogs and wellies.

Male staff on the motor retail team at Reg Vardy's Eastmount Road garage, in Darlington, took part in a leg waxing marathon.