Urban Knights in Cambridge Street Wellingborough, is leading efforts to raise cash for Children In Need by organising a town centre bed race.

They have invited pubs from around the town to enter the competition and take part in a bid to forge unity between traders. They are also planning a karaoke contest.

Earlier this year the Evening Telegraph reported on the challenges facing British pubs in the wake of rising prices and the smoking ban.

Urban Knights manager Deborah Turnell said: "This joins together all the pubs. Times are hard for pubs at the moment so this advertises them and shows that they stick together when times are difficult."

Preparations are already being made for the event on November 14.

Cambridge Street in Wellingborough will be shut off by police at 5.30pm so that the bed race, which will involve bouncers pushing their pub managers on beds, can take place.

"While the race is going on between different bars and clubs, there will be a range of family activities to keep the children entertained, including face painting and a raffle.

Meanwhile the Swansgate shopping centre is allowing organisers to have a free stand before the event to try to find some last minute donations and sponsorship money.

Ms Turnell said: "I have organised charity events before. We wanted to do something that is worthwhile and puts Wellingborough pubs on the map so that more people can visit us. We are beginning to lose the British pub.

"Lots of customers have children so this will help show that pubs can have fun and be family friendly."

The challenges that have faced pubs recently include the smoking ban, which means drinkers have often deserted bars so they can have a cigarette and a pint at home.

Rising costs of food and drink mean that people are also trying to save cash by having meals at home.

It costs £10 to enter the bed race and local businesses and customers are being asked to come forward as sponsors. For more information call Deborah Turnell on 07745 552713.