FANTASTIC fundraisers in and around Basingstoke certainly got into the spirit of Red Nose Day 09 as they pulled in the pounds by doing something funny for money.

Belly laughs rumbled in and around Basingstoke last Friday as families, staff and schools had fun raising much-needed funds for the charity appeal, which has raised more than £59million nationwide.

All manner of events took place, including teacher talent shows, pyjama parties, cake sales and a golf tournament. And there was even a red nose wedding!

Dan England and Samantha Farrow tied the knot at Basingstoke Register Office, in London Road, and were surprised when their friend and family popped on Comic Relief red noses as everyone posed for pictures.

The happy couple, of Coronation Road, Basingstoke, joined in the spirit of things by pledging some of the money given to them as gifts to the charity appeal.

Dan, 27, said: “It was a fantastic day and when our friends and family pulled out the red noses it was an absolute shock. We had no idea.”

Samantha, 41, said: “I was shocked. I didn’t know what was going on, but it made the day even more special.”

Customers and employees at Sainsbury’s, in Basingstoke town centre, were given a treat as some of the staff donned fancy dress for a collection – pulling in just short of £1,000.

Pupils at Bishopswood Infant School, in Barlows Road, Tadley, put on their dancing shoes and raised more than £260 during a Strictly Come Dancing-style event.

Head teacher Margaret Brackenborough said: “All the children wore dancing gear and were taught moves from the cha-cha-cha and samba.”

Teachers at Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College, in Wessex Close, Basingstoke, took part in a talent show. And a band comprising teachers from Robert May’s School, in West Street, Odiham, called the Manic Street Teachers, performed to pupils and raised more than £1,600.

Pyjama parties were seen as an effective, if restful, way to pull in the pounds, with children at Basingstoke College of Technology nursery, in Worting Road, and Monkey House Nursery School, in Mapledurwell, taking part.

Meanwhile, an impressive home-made cake in the shape of a clown was raffled at relocation company. HCR, in New Street, Top of the Town, for £266.

Out on the golf course, pitching wedges and plus fours came out for a charity game at Sandford Springs, in Kingsclere, where the players raised £5,500.

And care worker Katie Stevens, 25, who works at The Mead Children’s Home, in Odiham High Street, and Liam Jenkins raised £285 by walking from the site to Basingstoke town centre and back again.