WHAT a load of rubbish... well, not quite, but a comedy talk on recycling was the highlight of the day for 120 schoolchildren.

They were visiting the new Wastesavers recycling depot for Red Nose Day, wearing their own red wigs and costumes.

Pupils from Malpas Court Primary, St Julian's and Millbrook Juniors, Bettws, attended a party at the £1.3 million centre.

Howie Watkins, former presenter of the Really Wild Show, gave a comedy recycling talk to the youngsters.

And throughout March, for every tonne of waste the depot collects, Wastesavers is donating £1 to Comic Relief.

Director Mike Croxford said: "I have never heard so many kids screaming and shouting with excitement. It's been a fantastic day. It's wonderful to combine charity with fun and recycling all in one go."

Over in Caerleon there was more charity fun when staff at the Eleanor Hodson House nursing home dressed up in funny outfits and sold cakes and raffle tickets to visitors.

And at Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School, Blackwood, Year Eight pupil Daniel Evans, along with his breakdance tutor, Trystan Cook, of Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre, gave pupils a 40-minute breakdance lesson.

Daniel said: "I've been learning breakdancing for a year and I just wanted to do something for charity."

Terrific Trixie, a comedy sketch starring drag queen Trixie Taint, was put on during lunch and staff dressed up in comedy outfits.

Kate Clark, attendance and exams officer, said: "It's been a fun-packed day. We've raised lots of money and it's been enjoyed by staff and pupils alike."

At Powerhouse retail company in Newport, staff dressed up as characters from the popular TV show Little Britain.

Sales assistants Sarah Henley, as Myfanwy, Daniel Rogers, as Dafydd, Shane Jordan, as Andy, and Andrew Wheeler, as Emily Howard, had customers in stitches over their costumes.

Shane, of Maesglas, Newport, said: "We all watch the show and thought it would be a laugh. We're doing it tomorrow, and the customers think it's fantastic."

Here at the Argus Ben Caplan, who works in our customer services and home delivery department, took the shaver to his ten-inch locks.

Ben, 21, of Caldicot, said: "My fianc roped me into shaving my hair off for charity. It was getting rather long and I couldn't really grow it forever, I suppose. I don't mind helping a good cause."

Ben raised £235 for Comic Relief, which will be added to the proceeds of a staff dress-down day and a karaoke event.