ANNUAL fundraiser Children in Need is back for 2018 and is taking South Essex by storm.

Those across Essex taking part include brother and sister, Alyssa Gomes, 8 and Ethan Gomes, 5, from Vange. Both of them showed their support for the charity by dressing in clothes covered in pictures of Pudsey Bear.

Alyssa is disabled, so sadly spends most of her time in a wheelchair. Amazingly, she managed to stand up just long enough to have her picture taken with her loving brother for the event.

Both children and schools from across Essex are taking part in supporting the charity, following the theme of ‘Do your thing’.

Children in Need provide grants to projects from across the UK, which focus on children and young people who are disadvantaged, including those suffering from poverty and deprivation, children who have been the victims of abuse or neglect or disabled young people.

Schools from across the county also taking part, include Friars Primary School, in Southend.

They held a raffle, cake sale and bake off competition to celebrate the event. The children also dressed as their favourite hobby to follow the theme, taking part in a non uniform day.

West Leigh Junior School, Southend, also took part in the spotty day, where pupils came in wearing something spotty.