Last night’s BBC Children in Need 2012 appeal set a new charity fundraising record as the public raised a staggering £26.8m across the UK, with the people of the North West of England contributing over £2m to the total.
A range of fun events took place in Liverpool during the week as locals tried to do their bit for the charity, including male staff from the Met Quarter having their chests waxed. The charity mascot Pudsey the Bear was also seen walking through the city centre with his collection bucket.
In its 33rd year, the six hour Children In Need television marathon was hosted by Sir Terry Wogan, alongside Fearne Cotton, Tess Daly and Nick Grimshaw.
Following the recent Jimmy Savile scandal, some questioned whether it was appropriate that the BBC held the event as Savile was an ex-presenter for the channel.
But Wogan addressed these criticisms early on in the show, saying: “We know that children are vulnerable and news in recent weeks has been an awful reminder of how terrible that can be.”
A range of celebrities got involved in the event, appealing to people across the nation to donate to the charity. Girls Aloud reunited to perform their new single, Lord Sugar joined the cast of Eastenders in a comedy sketch, Anne Widdecombe returned to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom and the One Direction boys also popped in to show their support for the cause.
Last night’s total beat that of the previous year, which raised £26.3m.