A VILLAGE is taking part in a weekend of Children in Need events organised by a youngster and her family.

A fireworks display, sponsored walk, Christmas party and leg wax will be part of the fun at Coxhoe on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The fundraising initiative has been organised by the Perks family, of The Grove, after their 12-year-old daughter, Joanna, said she wanted to do a sponsored walk around Coxhoe, Kelloe and West Cornforth.

"It has gone crazy from there," said her father John.

"Me and her mum have organised something for kids and adults. It is amazing how the village is coming together to support it."

The fun starts on Friday at 6.15pm with a fireworks display on open land at The Grove, followed by a quiz at the Red Lion pub, Front Street, at 8.30pm.

On Saturday, at 10am, Joanna, her mother Amanda and five-year-old brother Jon-athon will wear fancy dress to lead a sponsored walk through Coxhoe.

There will be a children's disco at 3.30pm in Coxhoe Workingmen's Club and, at 7.30pm, 20 men, including Mr Perks, will have their legs waxed at the Red Lion pub.

There will also be a raffle and an auction of a signed ball from Sunderland Football Club.

The pub will also be the venue on Sunday at 7.30pm for a Christmas party, including a seasonal buffet.

Mr Perks said: "We didn't have a carnival this year in Coxhoe, so this will be the one major event in the calendar."

For more details, call 0191-377 2812.