Children and care home residents were left "spellbound" when Pudsey Bear visited them this week.

The Children in Need mascot has been making surprise visits in Weymouth as part of the charity event, helping raise money and smiles in the borough.

He has been met with mixed reactions however.

Fundraiser Esther Sheppard, who escorts Pudsey around every year, said some children erupt into excited cheering when he enters the classroom.

Others are rendered speechless in awe by the sight of a person-sized bear.

Esther Sheppard said: "A couple of classes screamed and rushed over to hug Pudsey - they nearly knocked him off his feet with excitement."

"With the younger ones, their jaws just drop to the floor when they see a giant teddy bear - but they absolutely love meeting him."

Pudsey also made a special trip to visit children on Dorset County Hospital's Kingfisher Ward.

Ms Sheppard added: "It was really lovely to be able to put smiles on so many faces.

"One little girl we met was in an isolation unit - Pudsey had her in fits of giggles doing silly dancing behind the glass."

Care home admissions adviser Esther has been fundraising with Pudsey for six years, after she contacted the BBC to get hold of the life-sized costume.

This year the honour of dressing up in bear outfit went to Rachael Craig, an activity manager who works with Esther at Gracewell House.

The pair were joined by colleague Donna Bradley, who is head of housekeeping.

Together they have visited schools and preschools including Beachcroft, Conifers and Littlefers, as well as the hospital and several care homes.

A cake sale and raffle were held at Gracewell House, which sponsors the yearly fundraiser and buys sweets for Pudsey to hand out.

Ms Sheppard said: "Older people love Pudsey just as much as the little ones do.

"Children in Need is always a special time of year for us- it's fantastic that we're able to make so many people happy."

The Children in Need fundraising show is tonight on BBC One from 7.30pm.

Are you doing anything for Children in Need? Send details and pictures of your events to newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk