Discover Britain: Pudsey Bear flies with Eagles Published Nov. 9, 2007 By Suzanne Harper ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- You all know Yogi; some of you are probably familiar with Paddington and Winnie the Pooh. But at this time of year, it's Pudsey Bear who takes centre stage. Pudsey, his trademark polka-dot handkerchief bandaging his right eye, is the mascot for the annual British Broadcasting Corporation Children in Need appeal. It's the biggest fund-raising event for children in the U.K. You will be seeing a lot of Pudsey Bear from now until Nov. 16. What's the little chap up to? Schools, colleges, organisations, clubs and families will hold events to help the nation's biggest fund-raising extravaganza in aid of children in the U.K. This year, RAF Lakenheath was able to add a little extra excitement to Pudsey's life as he was flown in an F-15E Strike Eagle courtesy of the 494th Fighter Squadron. Tech. Sgt. Timothy Knox, 48th Munitions Squadron, was asked by one of his neighbours if it might be possible for Pudsey to fly in a jet as part of a fund-raising initiative for this year's appeal. In 2007, Pudsey has already flown in the "Sally B" (B17 Flying Fortress), and with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in their Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster, to name just a few of his adventures. Sergeant Knox contacted the base Community Relations Adviser, Natalie Benge, to see what she could do. " As soon as I explained what a privilege it would be for one of jets to have Pudsey as a passenger, there was no shortage of volunteers to help him out," said Ms. Benge. "I'm told that he didn't need the sick bag once, which is remarkable." Over the years, few bears have flown from the base, but Pudsey's paws opened doors and before long he was airborne, courtesy of Captain James Atkinson of the 494th Fighter Squadron. The annual Children in Need appeal has been broadcast by the BBC since 1927. The appeal has been a "telethon" since 1980 and is now one of the biggest broadcast appeals in the world. As you can imagine, with the might of the BBC behind it, there is massive TV and radio coverage, both before the event and on the day of the appeal. The appeal culminates in the popular television and radio event held each November. It is the only occasion when the whole BBC joins together to support a single project - on television, radio and online. Millions of viewers watch the show and thousands of supporters turn up at their local BBC centres. Pudsey made his television debut in 1985 and since then has performed tirelessly as the official mascot. There are also regional offices set up to coordinate activities. This year's telethon will take place on Nov. 16 and all night long there are opportunities to donate as well as to enjoy the uniquely British style of comedy and celebration. In addition, if you wish to venture from your sofa, you can join in at Children in Need night at Tattersalls, Newmarket on Nov. 16 from 6.30 p.m. until the party's over. In 2006, the BBC Children in Need Appeal raised more than £33 million, which is distributed to the areas most in need. Organisations can apply for funds from the Children in Need appeal. Last year, the money raised went towards many areas including children living in poverty and deprivation; children suffering from illness, distress, abuse or neglect; children with mental or physical disabilities and children with behavioural and psychological disorders. Each year, the BBC Children in Need office produces an annual report, which can be accessed online to show a breakdown of donations. The easiest way to keep up to date with all the information relating to Children in Need is through their website at www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey For a more regional focus, there is information located at http://www.bbc.co.uk/lookeast/content/articles/2007/09/12/cin_2007_tattersalls_feature.shtml Further details of Pudsey's aerial exploits in 2007 can be found at http://pudsey.yakdisplay.com/