Children In Need raises record £15m

The annual Children In Need telecast has raised more than £15 million, the highest total on the night since the appeal began, the BBC said.

Donations poured in during the seven-hour televised BBC appeal and reached £15,305,212 by 2am today - £1,805,212 more than at the same time last year.

Organisers of the 24th annual event hope the money, to be collected over the coming months from fund-raising events across the UK, will top last year's total of more than £26 million.

Martina Milburn, chief executive of the charity, said: "What a fantastic evening and what an achievement. It is hard to believe that we have topped last year's total.

"Huge thanks to all the celebrities who took part and all the public who donated. Every single penny will go to help disadvantaged children in the UK."

Entertainment during the evening included a remake of The Wizard of Oz with the cast of EastEnders, Holby City, Casualty and Merseybeat.

EastEnders actor Shane Richie, who plays Alfie Moon, opened the show with a cover of the Queen hit, We Will Rock you.

He will also release this year's Children In Need single, I'm Your Man, a cover of the Wham hit.

A Morecambe and Wise kitchen sketch was recreated by celebrity chefs Ainsley Harriott and Antony Worrall Thompson.

Youngsters affected by homelessness, HIV, sexual abuse and drug addiction are being helped by the Children in Need appeal.

Children in Need

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