A FAMOUS fashion designer's first memories of North Yorkshire are among the reminiscences of 100 celebrities who have contributed to a book which is raising money for the BBC Children in Need Appeal.

Former Barnardos child Bruce Oldfield was a baby when he was transferred from one of the charity's convalescent nursery homes in Bognor Regis to a similar establishment near Harrogate.

Returning 16 years later, he thought he could remember a railway line and a circular building on grassland nearby - and a little further exploration revealed the old track bed at the bottom of the garden and a bandstand not far from the house.

Meanwhile, radio presenter Richard Allinson recalls linking the smell of his father's aftershave with Monday mornings.

After getting a new job, his dad would always give him a hug before leaving the family home in Birmingham for work in Middlesbrough; it was three months before the family could sell their home in the Midlands and join him on Teesside.

Other famous contributions come from Prime Minister's wife Cherie Blair, cricket umpire Dickie Bird, former journalist turned best-selling author Terry Pratchett, football commentator John Motson, and actress June Whitfield.

More information on Celebrity Child's Play is available by telephoning (01458) 860592.