Children in Need appeal for 2009

The campaign helps thousands of children each year

Hundreds of organisations are using grant money from Children in Need to help improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people.

Despite the economic conditions, the 2008 Appeal raised a record breaking £378m which has helped more than 700 projects across the UK.

In Dorset more than £180,000 has been awarded to four projects in local grants.

This year, Friday, 20 November, marks the 30th BBC Children in Need Appeal.

For more information on how to be a part of Children In Need 2009 visit the official website.

In pictures: Children in Need 2009 in Dorset

BBC South West

BBC South West will hold its Fundraisers' party for Children in Need at the Sealife Centre in Weymouth.

On Friday 20 November 2009 from 7pm BBC Spotlight's Victoria Graham, Justin Leigh and David Braine will be there to meet fundraisers, hear all about their madcap antics and accept their cheques on behalf of the charity.

Each year people find more inventive, crazy and sometimes mind-boggling ways to raise cash, and this night is their night, it gives everyone a chance to hear from them how they raised the money, and to thank them for all that they've done.

BBC South

BBC South, meanwhile, will be live at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu for a fun-packed night presented by Roger Johnson and Lizzie Greenwood-Hughes.

Fundraisers can turn up on the night to present their cheques - you may even appear on BBC One!

Entry is free and you also get to look round the exhibits at the museum including the James Bond Experience.

Tell us about your Children in Need fundraising events in Dorset.

Email us some pictures for our Children in Need gallery [e-mail]

For more information on how to be a part of Children In Need 2009 visit the official website.