Children in Need appeal for 2009

BBC East Midlands radio and TV stars Children in Need stage show

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 £37.8m which has helped more than 700 projects across the UK.

In Nottinghamshire, more than £477,522 has been awarded to nine projects in the form of local grants.

The 30th BBC Children in Need Appeal will be held on Friday, 20 November.

In support of Children In Need, BBC East Midlands presenters from radio and TV performed at a special theatre show at the Lakeside Arts Centre in Nottingham on Thursday, 12 November.

Highlights included Dominic Heale singing folk songs, the weather presenters "flaunting it" and Richard Spurr from BBC Radio Nottingham performing as Sir Elton John on stage.

In Pictures: Curtain up for Pudsey

All proceeds from the tickets will go to Children In Need.

Help Pudsey aim for the stars on Friday, 20 November

For more information call the Lakeside Theatre Box Office on 0115 846 7777.

On the official Children In Need day, Friday, 20 November, the BBC will be live at the National Space Centre in Leicester with Anne Davies from East Midlands Today and CBBC's Barney Harwood.

There will be free entry to the attractions starting at 6.00pm with entertainment , including Des Coleman hosting Play Your Cards Right with teams from BBC Local Radio for the Pudsey Challenge Cup.

How to get involved

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