EVERY year some of the biggest names in showbusiness pull out all the stops to help raise funds for Children in Need.

And this year Bolton’s stars made sure they did not miss out on the fun with a bit of help from bears, bands and a Blackpool treat.

On Thursday, Peter Kay joined Chris Evans on BBC Radio 2 to kick off a morning of fundraising.

Coinciding with the announcement of his UK arena tour, the funnyman offered up 50 pairs of Golden Tickets to a ‘very intimate gig’ at the Pavilion Theatre in Blackpool Winter Gardens on July 7.

The auction raised a mammoth £633,225 for the cause which raises funds for charities and organisations around the UK.

Peter also made a moving speech – which brought presenter Chris Evans to tears – to thank everyone who takes part and gives money to the appeal.

He said: “You can hear how much it means to them and how much joy and happiness it brings to them because they’ve got somewhere to go and escape from whatever they are going through and just be happy with other people.

“They wouldn’t have that if we didn’t give the money every year, which is amazing. I’m really proud of Britain because they rise up and help and come together.”

Today fellow-Boltonian Sara Cox kicked off The Children In Need Takeover on the station.

She was joined by Blue Peter presenters Lindsey and Radzi, George Ezra, Jessie Ware and tweeted pictures with singer Craig David and The Vamps.

She added “I enjoy my job a bit too much... awesome morning” – complete with a picture with appeal mascot Pudsey Bear.

Sara also welcomed children’s favourites Peppa and Daddy Pig, who talked about their fundraising, including eating lots of chocolate cake – and a catch up with Matt Baker and the Rickshaw Challenge which passed through Bolton on Thursday.

Children in Need 2017 is on BBC One tonight from 7.30pm.