Staff and students at West Nottinghamshire College dug deep in their pockets for Children in Need.

Top of the bill was comedy improvisation from performing arts students in the 150-seat Create Theatre at the Derby Road campus. The theatre was sold out for two nights as the students raised a laugh — and some cash (the students’ union was determined to raise more than £2,000, beating last year’s total of £1,655).

Student Daniel Salmon said: “To put a skill we learn in college into something fantastic like raising money for Children in Need is terrific. It makes you feel amazing.”

Molly Murdoch said: “It wasn’t easy — it was quite tricky to get it all prepared in time and get everyone together, but I think we pulled it out of the bag.”

Tutor Andy Dobb said: “The students really impressed us with how quickly and creatively they responded to the union request to put on a comedy show for this good cause. They should be very proud.”

Other activities to bring in the pennies included visits to other college campuses by Pudsey Bear, Children in Need’s mascot, and the college’s Butterflies day nursery staff donning their pyjamas. Students also sold Pudsey merchandise and cakes and organised a quiz, as well as a prize tombola and bingo game.