Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) had a furry, iconic visitor as Pudsey the Bear, the beloved mascot of Children in Need, paid a surprise visit to campus.

The college community was elated to welcome this special guest as they celebrated the remarkable efforts of Children in Need, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

Children in Need is a renowned British charity established in 1980 by the BBC. The charity was initially inspired by the success of the BBC’s earlier broadcast in 1979, which raised funds for humanitarian relief efforts in Cambodia and Ethiopia.

The primary mission of Children in Need is to ensure that every child in the UK has a safe, happy, and secure childhood. To achieve this goal, the charity conducts various fundraising activities throughout the year, with its flagship event being the annual “BBC Children in Need” broadcast.

Pudsey’s visit to BTC served as a heart-warming reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a significant impact. The BTC community is enthusiastic about supporting this fantastic cause and working towards a brighter future for all children.

Visiting each of our three campuses, Pudsey took part in numerous activities, including dropping by our state-of-the-art nursing facilities, taking over reception, working behind the tills at Costa, enjoying our automotive facilities, and spending time with the horses at the Cannington Equestrian Centre.

The bear also made a stop at the BTC Childcare Centre in Bridgwater. Here, Pudsey had the pleasure of meeting children who had been actively fundraising for BBC Children in Need. The youngsters wore pajamas or spotty clothes and participated in a range of Pudsey-themed crafts and activities, all in the name of charity.

Pudsey would like to say a great big THANK YOU and said he looks forward to coming back to visit BTC again next year!

About the BTC Childcare Centre

The BTC Childcare Centre offers children their first steps towards independence in a nurturing and educational environment. Through engaging and enjoyable activities, the centre fosters independence, preparing children for the exciting journey of life. The centre is immensely proud of its OFSTED outstanding rating and invites parents to explore its outstanding facilities.

The nursery operates from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday through Friday, year-round, with exceptions for bank holidays and a two-week closure over the Christmas period.

To find out more about our Childcare Centre, please visit our BTC Childcare Centre webpage.

For more information about the College and its facilities, please visit our website at www.btc.ac.uk or get in touch with the Information & Advice Team on 01278 455464 or by emailing info@btc.ac.uk.