Children In Need bosses have decided to cut back on their appeal for cash this year as they think that people are under enough financial pressure during the current ‘credit crunch’.

As well as appealing for money as usual, Children In Nedd, which will air on BBC One this November, will also appeal for people to give their time to charity as well.

An insider told The Sun: “There have been very senior discussions about this as execs are worried. The appeal will come smack bang in the middle of the worst financial crisis for years.

“The last thing they want is people feeling guilty about not chipping in.

“Obviously they will still be calling on people to give them money as the charity still needs cash. But there are scores of other ways people can help without having to hand over cash.

“One idea that has been looked at is giving people the opportunity to give their time to various Children In Need-backed groups. Time is money after all.”