Hastings Blue Reef Aquarium is hosting a week-long series of fundraising events and activities for the BBC Children in Need appeal.
Visitors are being invited to make a donation and ‘face their fears’ at daily animal encounters – with special guest appearances from a selection of snakes and creepy crawlies.
There’s a charity raffle to win five family tickets running throughout the week and a Pudsey Colouring Corner Competition next to the main ocean display.
The aquarium’s bizarre-looking axolotls – a rare type of aquatic salamander – will also be part of the event with the public being invited to come up with names for them for a small donation.
Blue Reef’s team of aquarists will be judging the best suggestions with the winner receiving an annual pass.
On the Friday itself, staff will be donating money to wear pyjamas to work and carrying out a series of fundraising activities throughout the day.
Blue Reef Aquarium’s Leanna Lawson said: “Children in Need is a national institution and has raised more than £800 million for great causes both here in the UK and around the world.
“The theme for this year’s appeal is ‘do your thing’ so we wanted to come up with a whole week’s-worth of fun fundraising ideas where everyone can enjoy themselves and donate to an incredible cause at the same time,” she added.
• Blue Reef Aquarium, Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 3DW. Open daily from 10am. For more information call 01424 718776, visit www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/hastings or find us on Facebook.