CHILDREN In Need's annual charity appeal often inspires unusual fundraising ideas – but there's nothing like an old-fashioned bath of baked beans to get people digging deep for the good cause.

Senior nursery nurse at Kids Inc Nursery in Old Station Road in Loughton, Emily Hooper, entered the bath tub at 9am today (November 19) and aims to be there until 6pm – unless the winter weather takes its toll and she has to get out to warm up.

Emily, 25, explained that today was chosen because Thursday is its busiest day of the week, meaning more parents would see the stunt and might donate to the cause.

She said: “I'm okay at the moment, although my feet are a bit cold, but I'm fully dressed so I'm hoping to be in here until six o'clock.

“It was all our manager's idea for a member of staff to sit in a bath of beans. I volunteered because since I started I haven't been able to get involved in any fundraising yet.

“One of the managers sat in a bath-full of custard a few years ago and raised £3000 and I really want to beat that. It's a bit competitive.”

Children In Need will be broadcast on Friday evening (November 20) on BBC One. Anyone wishing to donate money should contact the nursery on 020 8502 4488.