PUDSEY Bear called at a hotel to officially start and take part in a children's sponsored walk in aid of Children in Need.

About 50 youngsters helped to raise in more than £550 after completing the one-mile walk along the Quayside from the reception of the Copthorne Hotel, Newcastle, to the Millennium Bridge and back.

Supervised by parents and hotel staff, the children were then treated to a tea party with games at Harry's Bar and Restaurant at the hotel.

General manager Stephen Deakin said: "We kept the fact that Pudsey Bear would be attending the walk as a surprise for the children, therefore they were very excited when they first saw him.

"They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves, both during and after the walk, and were able to raise a considerable amount of money towards the appeal."