BUSINESSES across Nottingham have raised thousands of pounds for the city's ChildLine centre as part of a challenge set by the Post.

The challenge has now come to an end and businesses are being reminded to pay in the money they have raised as soon as possible, so that prizes can be awarded.

As well as being used to expand the ChildLine centre in Old Basford, money raised through the Nottingham Post NSPCC Business Challenge will support the national NSPCC Helpline.

Jenni Cowlishaw, NSPCC corporate fundraising manager for the East Midlands, said: "People have put a great amount of effort into the challenge. There have been some really great ideas and fundraising events where lots of people have got involved, and it has been really exciting. Thank you to everyone who has contributed."

Although the NSPCC is waiting to receive everyone's funds before prizes can be given, Jenni said that three businesses had done particularly well.

They are Investment Sense, in the Lace Market; SLR Consulting, in Bulwell; and ABP Services, in West Bridgford.

ABP Services netted more than £2,000 by holding a fundraising day at the Meadow Covert pub, in Edwalton, and a charity football match.

And even though the Post's challenge has come to an end, the firm wants to do more for the NSPCC next year.

David Hickman, who works for ABP Services, said: "I've absolutely loved it. That's why I've already started on next year."

The charity football match was held at Derby County's Pride Park Stadium.

"From a Forest fan's perspective, it's hard for me to say this, but all the staff were brilliant," said David. "They made everybody feel welcome. When you take away the rivalry between the teams, it was a nice day."

He also thanked Manchester United, who donated a signed football to be raffled off, and referees Paul Buck, Phil Wooton and Phil Towers, who gave their services free.

Eden Hall Spa donated vouchers as prizes, Mint Hotel Tower of London donated a VIP trip, and Rushcliffe Leisure Centre donated six months' gym membership.

Investment Sense has already held two networking events to raise money for the challenge and advance ticket sales from a third, to be held on Thursday, June 9, will also add to its total for the cause.

Phillip Bray, the firm's marketing and relationship manager, said of the challenge: "It has helped us build connections locally because we are a pretty new business. I've enjoyed running the events and meeting new people."

There will be a presentation for the most successful businesses in the challenge on June 22.

SLR Consulting, at Aspect Business Park, came up with an innovative way to raise money – by using adapted bicycles to power its office.

Forty workers took turns to ride the bikes, with each being sponsored for every unit of electricity they generated.

Stewart Lenton, one of SLR's technical directors, raised more than £1,000 by cycling over the Northumberland hills, and other fundraising activities included a car-wash.

Associate consultant Ben Sarton said: "I think it has got people involved in activities they wouldn't have done. It gets people working as a team."

SLR estimates that it has raised about £2,100 but plans to carry on fundraising for the NSPCC. One of its directors, who has a fear of flying, has promised to do a parachute jump if it reaches £3,000.

A website was launched this week for the Child's Voice Appeal, which aims to raise a total of £3.3 million in the East Midlands for ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline. People can donate to the appeal by visiting www.justgiving.com/NSPCC-East-Midlands.