Children in Need raises 17.2 million pounds!

I was pleased to see the BBC's Children in Need appeal marked its 26th year with a record 17.2 million pounds pledged this evening.

The BBC said the total was slightly higher than last year. The overall total was expected to grow to more than 30 million pounds when all donations were in.
Madonna, Tony Blair and the BBC newsreaders all took part in the seven-hour show.

The girl group Liberty X started the celebrations with the Children in Need single "A Night to Remember". Madonna also performed her number one single "Hung Up".

The Prime Minister was pranked by John Culshaw, an impersonator from Radio 4's comedy programme Dead Ringers.