THE great British public helped raised a staggering £26,332,334 for BBC Children in Need — the highest on-the-night total ever!

Celebrating its 32nd appeal, the show marked the crescendo of this year's activities through a star studded feast of family entertainment in order to help raise money for disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK.

At the helm was Sir Terry Wogan who was joined by TV stars Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton and Alesha Dixon to present the seven-hour entertainment marathon live from London's BBC Television Centre.

The appeal night represented an exciting culmination of fundraising activity for BBC Children in Need, but Friday night's total will continue to rise as the money pours in from the thousands of events around the UK.

It's not too late to get involved, either by organising a fundraising event, calling our donation line on 0345 733 2233 or visiting bbc.co.uk/pudsey.

For reports and pictures, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.