FROM fancy dress costumes to sitting in baths filled with baked beans, the south Essex community has always been prepared to do their bit for Children in Need.

The BBC fundraiser is taking place tonight and, while this year’s extravaganza will have a different feel because of Covid-19, millions of people will still have done all they can to help some of the most disadvantaged children across the UK.

Closer to home, the people of Southend, Basildon and Canvey have always risen to the occasion by raising thousands of pounds for Pudsey and co.

Lee Mead, who hails from our seaside town of Southend, raised a whopping £57,000 with his debut single.

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On the stage - Southend’s Lee Mead raised £57,000 for Children in Need with his first single Any Dream Will Do

As these eye-catching snaps from the archive show, teachers, schoolchildren and office staff do their bit in the fundraiser.

Join us on a trip down memory lane by joining our ‘We grew up in Essex’ Facebook group. If you have old photos and stories to share with our readers, simply complete our online form.

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Getting creative - Sam Mailes, four, and other members of the first steps toddler group made Pudsey bears at Winter Gradens Primary School

Scroll down to see more Children in Need fundraisers through the years.

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Eye-catching - Appleton School pupils donned some wacky outfits as they raised more than £1,500 for Children in Need

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Collecting - 12-year-old Jessica Lovegrove covered her Broomfield Avenue, Leigh, driveway in pennies 11 years ago

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Playing their part - residents at the Knights Court Retirement Home in Chesterford Green, Basildon, raised money for Children in Need by organising a bring and buy sale in 2009

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Messy - King Edmund School headteacher Jonathan Osborn sat in a bath of baked beans 10 years ago

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Disney - Nattale Leek dressed as Snow White and danced with four-year-old Bunnii Wheatley as money was raised at Leigh’s Wesley Church Hall 11 years ago

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All smiles - Evan Carr, Megenta Camilleri, Holly Aitken and Amy Lawrence wore masks, face paint and eye-catching costumes at West Leigh Junior School

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Action heroes - Kim Vaus, Terri Hanmore, Leanne Keeling, Gina and Tony Massenhove, Jack Gaunt and Barry Adams of Billericay’s Massenhove Recruitment in 2008

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Fun - Cherry Tree Primary School pupils brought their favourite teddy to school in a bid to support Children in Need a decade ago