Fitness coach Joe Wicks sent children at a city school a special thank you message after they took part in fundraising for BBC Children in Need.
The pupils at Royal School for the Deaf Derby, in Ashbourne Road, also taught Pudsey Bear how to use British Sign Language, so he can communicate with everyone.
The historic school is itself a registered charity, but staff and pupils always take part in the national fundraising day to help others less fortunate than themselves.
The visit from Pudsey Bear and message from Joe Wicks was arranged by BBC Radio Derby which is running a campaign called Walk and Talk for this year’s Children in Need campaign.
Pudsey with students from Royal School for the Deaf Derby.
The school, which teaches children from four to 19-years-old, helped them turn the campaign into Walk and Sign, so that the city’s large deaf community could be included.
Headteacher of the school, Paul Burrows, said: “The visit from Pudsey Bear was an absolute joy – the children were so surprised and I have to say he brought a smile to everyone’s face.
“Of course, Pudsey is pretty visual anyway, but he was keen to learn some sign language and our children were only too happy to help.
“The message from Joe Wickes was the icing on the cake. We all remember his classes through lockdown, when of course our school remained open, and to see him on a big screen talking about the school was an extra special treat.
“Although this school is a charity and every penny raised for us is amazing, we also feel it’s extremely important that our pupils help to put something back. “
