FAMILIES, schools and businesses across Dursley and Cam went about their day shopping, socialising and exercising all dressed in their pyjamas and onesies at the weekend to help raise money for charity.

The annual event, which has entered its fourth year, sees the town and surrounding area forsake their ordinary clothes for a day of comfyness and more than a few odd looks from passersby.

Their efforts to raise donations, help fund national charity Meningitis Now, which provides support to families affected by meningitis and funds preventative research.

So far £635 has been raised but donations are still streaming in from many shops and local groups who helped.

At Dursley Swimming Pool a special pyjama-only aquazumba session as well as a zumbatomic class were held by Cheryl Ford and Angela Gillingham for the occasion.

North Nibley Primary School, The Nest at Woodfield and Funbusters at Everlands in Cam also got involved, with the children happy that for once allowed they did not have to change out of their pyjamas.

Many shops in Cam and Dursley joined in on Saturday to help raise much needed awareness of the disease, including A Cut Above the Rest, Cam Post Office, Pace Petrol Station, Sainsbury's, Coffee Time, Traditional Bakery, SeeSee's Hairdressers, Just to Say, the Wishing Tree, Wildwood Flowers and the Vegetable Shop.

Worljungle also offered a stand at their funday event in the Chantry Centre.

Many of the local watering holes also showed their support, with the Kingshill Pub, Old Spot Inn, the Kings Head and the Old Bell all raising money for the cause.

Community ambassador for Meningitis Now, Aurelie Brunet-Lua, whose son Mattia was affected by meningococcal septicaemia when he was four-months-old thanked everyone for taking part, including Stroud MP Neil Carmichael.

Mrs Brunet-Lua said it was vital everyone knows the possible signs and symptoms of the disease, especially at this time of year when the number of cases peaks.

For more information, visit www.meningitisnow.org

Symptom cards are also available in many shops in Cam and Dursley.