Saturday, 12 July 2003, 9.35 PM
Nine-year high

2003's Red Nose Day grand total is in and it's the greatest amount raised in the campaign's nine-year history.

The bottom-line figure of £60,027,424 combines the £35m raised on the night (itself a record) with the proceeds from public fundraisers across the country.

Lenny Henry thanked all those who took part in The Big Hair Do: "From raising £15,816,555 on the first Red Nose Day in 1989 to reach £60m in 2003, it is just absolutely amazing.

"Everyone who got involved in Red Nose Day 2003, or who has lent their support in the past, should feel really proud of themselves."

Over the next two years a third of the money will be spent helping people in the UK and two-thirds will go to projects in Africa.

Nine-year high

The single in the sky

The Chamber opens