Charity events and donations from the people of raised have raised �629,487 for this year's the 2002 BBC Children in Need Appeal.

The money helped boost the UK total to �13.5 million by the end of Friday night, though the final total is expected to top �25m.

Pudsey takes up residence at Broadcasting House in Cardiff

Thousands of fundraising events were held in an effort to make this year's appeal total bigger than ever.

A total of �547,942 was raised in Wales last year, and that figure was boosted with more contributions in the weeks that followed.

Around �1.9m of Children in Need money was distributed to children's charities and organisations throughout Wales during the year.

As usual, Friday's TV and radio extravaganza saw a host of charity events taking place throughout the length and breadth of Wales.

Radio Wales did its bit with karaoke fans showing off their talents to comedian Owen Money, while Chris Neads was broadcasting live from the Lyric Theatre in Carmarthen.

H and Claire are two of the star attractions on Friday's show

Friday night 's event had BBC Wales presenters Rhodri Williams and Francis Donovan presenting an evening of entertainment live from Broadcasting House in Llandaff, Cardiff.

A giant screen and other attractions - including fairground rides for children - ensured that the crowds were entertained.

Former Steps stars H, from the Rhondda, as well as Claire, boy band 3SL, Steve Balsamo, Aled Jones and Rosie Ribbons - the Swansea singer from Pop Idol who captured the hearts of millions of viewers, all made appearances.

Pudsey bear is the ultimate star of the show

Radio Wales presenter Kevin Hughes, began broadcasting live from 1900 GMT, and was joined by numerous surprise guests and celebrities.

Cameras relayed the action to a huge screen at Broadcasting House in Llandaff, Cardiff.

Radio listeners had previously boosted the Welsh fundraising figures with a live auction on the Good Morning Wales programme.

Top international artist Andrew Vicari, who is from Port Talbot, made one Merthyr bidder happy with his auctioned offer to paint a special one-off portrait.

Malcolm Carey bid �4,100 for the special sitting which will take place soon.