Staff at Asda ADC organised a host of events throughout the fundraising day – last Friday – and the BBC was so impressed by their efforts that they were invited to appear at a live broadcast from a shopping centre in Derby.

Martin Reynolds, events and marketing co-ordinator at the warehouse, was one of those invited. He said: “We were on air three different times. The first appearance saw us pinned at the back of the stage but for the second and third appearances we were at the front and interviewed while holding up our big cheque.”

Among the events organised by staff were a 24-hour barbecue, and a 24-hour sponsored bike ride in which staff took it in turns.

Mr Reynolds added: “The exercise bike was in reception and we would have got all the way to Aberdeen if it were for real!”

Staff member Ian Essery organised a competition for staff to guess the weight and sex of his forthcoming baby.

Another member of staff, Jeanette West – a self confessed chatterbox – held a sponsored silence. Mr Reynolds said: “We also held a quiz night with a curry supper and a game of Play Your Cards Right.”

He thanked everyone who had contributed in any way to the raising of the £5,500 total.

l Toddlers and staff at Lutterworth College Pre-School had a pyjama party on Friday and raised £100.

Pre-school manager Karl Jarvis said: “I would like to say a big thank you to all parents and staff and I'm very proud of all the children.”

lAbout 20 staff from Lutterworth Day Nursery donned fancy dress and visited town pubs on Friday night to seek donations.

Claire Potterton, from the nursery, said: “We had a fabulous time and, as usual, the people of Lutterworth were really generous and donated £527.”

It is the 12th time the event has taken place and the sum raised was a record.