Nation digs deep to raise record £74m for Comic Relief

THIS year's Comic Relief has raised a record £74.3 million - the most ever for the night of the show.

Singer Susan Boyle, Prime Minister David Cameron and George Michael all featured on Friday evening's programme.

The government has promised 10m to fund health and education programmes in Africa, matching Comic Relief's own pledge in those areas.

The show saw a spoof version of pop band Take That - made up of comedians John Bishop, Alan Carr, Catherine Tate, David Walliams and James Corden - audition in front of the real band's members.

Cameron was served a three-course meal by Miranda Hart, Ruby Wax and Claudia Winkleman in a Masterchef sketch.

His predecessor, Gordon Brown, also featured with boyband JLS. The money raised is likely to increase in the coming days.

International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell said: "Even in these tough economic times, the British public has given an incredible response to Comic Relief's appeal, showing yet again their compassion and generosity.

"The extra support will mean Comic Relief can double their efforts in health and education so more children go to school and get a quality education, and more people have access to life-saving medicine and treatment."

Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles set a new world record by staying on air for more than 50 hours, and raised more than 2m for Comic Relief in the process.

The star started his broadcast on Radio 1 with sidekick "Comedy" Dave Vitty on Wednesday morning and finally came off air at 10.30am on Friday.