EMPLOYEES at the BT Call Centre in Warrington will be celebrating 30 years of taking calls on behalf of BBC Children in Need on Friday.

An army of volunteers will be taking pledges from viewers from 7pm-2am, an added seven hours on top of their normal working day.

BT Warrington is one of five BT call centres around the country chosen to take donations, in addition to centres in Newcastle, London, Lincoln and Dundee.

Volunteers will play a vital role in raising as much money as possible to positively change the lives of young people who have suffered disadvantages of some kind.

Pudsey the bear, who will be visiting the call centre on the evening, will spur volunteers on as they attempt to beat the £20.3 million raised by last year’s Children in Need.

In 2009, participating call centres handled more than 200,000 calls on the night of the appeal, and BT’s community investment programme manager said: “As we reach this milestone of 30 years, BT thanks all the hundreds of volunteers across the UK who give up their time, to take calls, helping us to raise as much as possible. They’re doing their bit again this year, make sure you do yours."

This year’s theme is 'Show your spots, let’s raise lots!' and viewers can donate by calling 0345 733 2233.