Unless been hiding under a rock or have an aversion to the sight of big yellow bears, you’ll know it’s time once again for BBC’s annual Children in Need fundraiser. And with stars from Gary Barlow to JLS and the cast of Eastenders getting ready to kick off tonight’s TV marathon (BBC 1, from 7pm), it’s set to be the biggest and most successful campaign yet.

We thought we’d get in on the action and sprinkle a little sporting stardust of our own – with a little bit of help from Manchester United goal scoring legends Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke. Kicking off this evening, they’ll be teaming up with DHL employees to raise money for the Children in Need appeal.

DHL, Official Logistics Partner of Manchester United, is handing its main call centre at East Midlands Airport over to the BBC fundraiser for the evening. We’ll have over 200 employees – along with the Manchester United legends – on hand to take calls, raise money and help make a difference to the lives of children everywhere.

Andy Cole said: “It’s a pleasure to help raise money for a great cause like Children in Need. It has extra significance for me because I grew up not far from here in Nottingham. I hope we can do our bit to improve the lives of kids in this area and across the country.”

The DHL Customer Services call centre deals with around 3 million calls a year, making it one of the largest and most experienced centres to be involved in the appeal. This will be the third year running DHL have been involved, having raised £6500 in 2010.

Exciting news for fans of football and speedy parcel delivery: DHL have been announced as the title sponsor for Manchester United’s July tour of the United States.

The team will be kicking off the tour with their first game against kick off the pre-season tour in Boston with a game against New England Revolution on 13 July, before taking on excitingly named teams like Seattle Sounders (Seattle, 20 July), Chicago Fire (Chicago, 23 July), MLS All-Stars (New Jersey, 27 July) and FC Barcelona (Washington DC, 30 July).

The three-week tour is a great chance for US fans to see the team in action. Fans everywhere else can keep up-to-date with pre-tour news by visiting the Tour 2011 website.

Manchester United boss, Alex Ferguson said: “The team is really looking forward to going back to the US. The tour is great preparation for the season and the facilities over there are fantastic. I’m looking forward to some good football and the chance to meet our fans in the US”.

Richard Arnold, Manchester United’s Commercial Director, commented: “We already have a fantastic relationship with DHL, so we are delighted that they have decided to specifically target this important market and create a unique marketing platform by becoming the title sponsor of our summer tour. Respected and trusted around the world, DHL shares our commitment to delivering excellence and I’m certain that having them on board will help make this tour a great success”.

As the world’s leading logistics company, and Manchester United’s Official Logistics Partner, DHL will be on hand with its unrivalled expertise to ensure the delivery of team and essential equipment to each game.

“We are delighted to come on board as the title sponsor of Manchester United’s 2011 USA tour. DHL’s Next Day transatlantic delivery service brings the UK and US together as express speed. Through our sponsorship, we can the team on the same journey,” said Phil Couchman, Chief Executive Officer and DHL Express.