Blue Peter presenter visits York primary school (From York Press)

Blue Peter presenter Barney Harwood visits Robert Wilkinson School in Strensall

9:31am Thursday 25th October 2012 in News

CHILDREN’S television show Blue Peter chose a York school to film the launch of its fundraising drive for this year’s Children In Need.

Pupils at Robert Wilkinson School in Strensall turned up for class in their pyjamas and dressing gowns as part of Blue Peter’s Go Pyjamas campaign.

This afternoon’s edition of the programme on CBBC will show staff and children at the school enjoying a surprise visit from Blue Peter presenter Barney Harwood.

Chris Evans, deputy head at the school, said: “Blue Peter contacted us a little while ago to say they would like a school to help them promote their Children In Need appeal, which is called Go Pyjamas.

“Today’s programme will launch it nationally, but they wanted to film first in a school and we were the first to have a pyjama party.”

Mr Evans, who turned up in a “Scrooge-style” nightshirt, said the school had a buzz about it throughout the day because Blue Peter producers promised a surprise for the children.

He said: “The surprise was that Barney the presenter would come to thank everyone, but they also turned the playground into a funfair. We had a tea cup ride, an adventure tunnel, inflatable slide and a coconut shy.”

Now other schools and children’s organisations will be encouraged to organise their own Go Pyjamas party. The pupils of Robert Wilkinson raised about £700 for the annual BBC charity event.