Beeb turns to Angela for bright ideas

Last year’s fundraising penalty shoot out at Victoria Brook Nursery

FROM Krypton Factor assault courses to a parachute jump, Angela Kirkham has raised thousands of pounds for Children in Need with her wacky and wonderful ideas.

Now the owner of Victoria Brook Day Nursery in Chadderton is heading to the BBC studios in London to help them create inspirational new fundraising ideas.

Mrs Kirkham started the nursery in 1977 and has been a staunch supporter of the annual fundraiser since it was first televised in 1980.

Her fundraising ideas include sponsored penalty shoot outs, golf tournaments, Strictly Come Dancing events and a Swimming with Dolphins extravaganza, raising an average £1,000 each year.

On Thursday, she will head down to London to take part in an ideas session, followed by lunch and a tour of the studios.

Mrs Kirkham said: “I’m honoured to have been invited and I’m really looking forward to it.

“Children in Need has been the nursery’s charity of choice since its started because the money goes to helping all children.”

Mrs Kirkham said each year she tries to think up something different and off the wall that the children and parents will really enjoy, such as last year’s penalty shoot out with mascots Pudsey Bear and Latics Chaddy the Owl.

The 2008 Pride in Oldham finalist said it is down to the hardwork of her staff that her ideas come to life.

She said: “My deputy Anne Hill as well as the nursery staff help me to bring the ideas to life, it’s a real team effort.

“We make sure there is a real build up to the day with the children painting and making decorations.

“Holding the Children in Need fundraising is the highlight of my year, I just love it.”