Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

They sat in baths of baked beans, twirled their way through dance-a-thons and marched their way through walks lasting for miles to raise millions for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Children In Need 2007.

Now the financial results of fundraisers' strenuous efforts are being dished out across the country - with more than Β£225,000 being handed to charitable projects in Norfolk.

A record-breaking Β£19m was notched up following last November's appeal night while the overall total is expected to reach Β£36m and 832 projects have made it onto the shortlist to receive a handout.

Pudsey's purse

In the first of two rounds of grants, three organisations working with children and young people in Norfolk are being given a pot of money from Pudsey's purse.

Performing arts training venue The Garage, based in Norwich's Chapel Field North, helps youngsters to sing and dance as well as develop their drama and behind-the-scenes theatre skills.

The organisation has been given around Β£76,000, which programme development manager Christina Poulton said will be spent on encouraging those in most need to walk through the door.

"The Children In Need money is going to revolutionise the way we operate," she said.

"Now we can go out to some of the most deprived estates and encourage those young people at most risk to access our project and develop skills in the arts," she added.

Improve confidence

One regular visitor to The Garage said it had helped him build up his confidence.

Aaron Jeffrey, from west Norwich, said: "If I hadn't come to the Garage Trust and got the help I needed... I wouldn't be this confident.

"I wouldn't have the courage to speak or dance, or even believe I could have a job one day."

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Children In Need has also benefited two counselling services, with more than Β£99,000 granted to Norfolk Eating Disorders Association and Β£52,000 handed to the Mancroft Advice Project.