THE town centre was awash with character as students from Bolton Community College spent the morning fundraising for Children in Need.

Nicola Catherall, aged 17, from Doffcocker, dressed as a Playboy bunny to raise money along with her Leisure and Tourism group from the college.

They held a sponsored walk through the centre with their lecturer Sue Jones and managed to raise £103.

It was one of the first of many fund-raising events taking place as part of the annual charity marathon.

Nicola said: "It's been great fun. I was freezing cold, but it was worth it. We are still waiting for all the money to be collected, but we think we've made well over £200."

Bolton Wanderers' first team players were also getting in on the act and planned to take part in a penalty shoot-out with Manchester-based insurance broker Manson Warner Healthcare today.

The shoot-out against Graeme Warner, managing director of Manson Warner Healthcare and associate director, Dieter Clausnitzer is to be officiated by Bolton Wanderers' manager, Sam Allardyce.

The event was being held at Bolton Wanderers' training ground in Euxton, Chorley.

In another fundraising stunt, supermarket manager, Gary Evans, was due to become a shop floor worker for the day to raise cash for Pudsey.

Mr Evans, aged 37, runs the Asda store in Brackley Street, Farnworth, where staff were dressing up as managers as he stacks the shelves.

Each member of staff has been asked to donate £1.

A family disco is due to take place at Tempest United Football Club from 7pm tonight at the clubhouse on Tempest Road, Westhoughton. Entrance fee is £2.50 and everyone is welcome.

Staff at Hair Studio 336, on Bridge Street, were planning to come to work in their pyjamas and spend the day cutting, blowing and perming hair in their night clothes and slippers. The team will also have a collection box in the shop for customers to drop money into.

Maurice Hair, on Moss Lane, Walkden, also hope to raise £250 with a sponsored head shave and chest wax in the shop today.