A BOURNEMOUTH school received an extra special visitor in the form of Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear.

The excitement levels at Talbot Heath School reached fever pitch as everyone’s favourite teddy turned up to meet pupils ahead of this year’s fundraising extravaganza.

Despite the poor weather, Pudsey braved the rain in an open top double-decker bus before exchanging hugs and high fives with pupils all preparing to raise money for vulnerable children.

Talbot Heath School in Rothesay Road is a big supporter of Children in Need and this Friday, pupils will once again be able to pay “school fees” to enable their favourite teddies to come to school for the day.

The annual event is one of the most eagerly-anticipated days of the school year, with most pupils choosing to bring along a furry friend.

The day will also be filled with various bear-related activities to boost the fund-raising even further.

Children in Need is the BBC’s UK corp-orate charity and aims to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children across the UK.

Companies, schools and organisations across Dorset will be joining in the fun and supporting this year’s appeal with a variety of sponsored events and crazy challenges.

Stars taking part in this year’s television appeal include Sir Terry Wogan, Fearne Cotton, Nick Grimshaw, Tess Daly, Matt Baker and Alex Jones.

Legendary cartoon characters Tom and Jerry will star in an exclusive cartoon made especially for Children in Need and some famous faces from Eastenders’ history will return to Albert Square to take part in an exclusive sketch.

There will also be a special performance of Strictly Come Dancing featuring the return of Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Are you taking part? email your pictures to us and we'll add them to our gallery! Email digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk, text them to 80360 (starting your message with BE), or tweet us @Bournemouthecho.