​Annual fundraiser becoming one of the nation's best supported events

Red Nose Day 2015 was the charity’s most successful ever fundraiser, organisers have said.

Friday’s spectacular – which saw public fundraising events across the UK - was the highest total that had ever been raised with some £78 million pledged.

It means more than £1 billion has been raised by Comic Relief in its 30 year history.

Comic Relief founder Richard Curtis said he was "enormously proud" of the charity's achievements.

The show, which is backed by the BBC, started with Radio 2 DJ Dermot O'Leary completing a 24-hour danceathon.

Rowan Atkinson and Dawn French also appeared, reprising their roles for Mr Bean and The Vicar Of Dibley.

I never imagined the generosity that would be shown by the British public for so many years Richard Curtis

Curtis said: "This is a very strange moment for me. When a bunch of comedians got together all those years ago we dreamed of raising a million or two, and never imagined the generosity that would be shown by the British public for so many years.

"Figures tell us that the billion pounds have helped around 50 million people in the UK and overseas, 50 million people whose lives have been changed or saved by the generosity of people they've never met."

Tony Hall, director general of the BBC, said it was “a stunning achievement” and a great tribute to the tireless work of Curtis and the team.

A series of short films on the night reminded viewers of the serious side of Comic Relief's work, with appeal films presented by Peter Capaldi, Olivia Colman, Idris Elba and Lenny Henry.

Kevin Cahill, chief executive of Comic Relief, said: "We could not have done it without the generosity of the British public, the BBC, the many famous faces who do their bit and all of our wonderful partners, some of whom have been with us since the very beginning all those years ago.

"The commitment of so many amazing people is truly humbling. We would like to say thank you to everyone who played a part."