A MAN dressed as Pudsey Bear to help bring smiles to a pre-school – and also keep alive almost 40 years of tradition.

Benedict Richardson and his family have played the part of the Children in Need mascot in Woodstock for 38 years.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, this year was no different.

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Kate Bailey, manager of WUFA Pre-School, organised a socially distant visit for Mr Richardson.

She said: “I was upset that Benedict wasn’t going to be able to do it because of the pandemic, and as he lives for being Pudsey and honouring the memory of his parents I had to do something.

“Plus it brings joy to the team which is working hard, and smiles to the children’s faces.

“We have only raised a tiny bit but we will raise Children in Need’s profile by hopefully highlighting that charities like this and us need all the support we can get.”

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A charity itself, WUFA was established in 1987 and offers pre-schooling for children aged two to four.

It also offers a breakfast club and after school club facility for children aged three to 11.

Mr Richardson said he will continue reprising the role of Pudsey for two more years in order to reach the 40 year landmark.

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Children in Need itself celebrated its 40th anniversary this year.

Yesterday’s show saw Joe Wicks complete a 24-hour workout challenge, while a cover of Oasis’ Stop Crying Your Heart Out was put together by stars including Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams and Cher.

In 2018, Children in Need passed the £1 billion mark in terms of money raised for children and young people in the UK.

Almost 4,000 charities and projects are funded, supporting young people affected by a whole range of disadvantages such as poverty, disability, illness, distress or trauma.