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This year's ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need Appeal is more exciting than ever! Launched on 21 September, the 2009 Appeal will reach its crescendo through the star-studded ´óÏó´«Ã½ One TV show on Friday 20 November.

At the helm is Sir Terry Wogan who is celebrating his 30th appeal this year; he first hosted the show back in 1980 alongside the then darlings of daytime television, Esther Rantzen and Sue Lawley. This kick-started three decades of enthralling television entertainment.

At the heart of every Appeal is an amazing army of fundraisers across the nation and this year their call to arms is "Do Something Different" – a challenge which invites inventive fundraisers to do something outside of their usual routine to help raise much-needed funds to help disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

For those who like to get digital, Pudsey is ramping up his online presence; 2009 sees the launch of Pudspace, a new tool to help show support. From virtual bandanas and Pudsey skins for social networks, to Pudsey's Twitter feed and brand new Facebook fan-page there are more ways then ever this year to say "I'm with the Bear".

Last year, thanks to the amazing generosity of the British public, a record-breaking £37.8m was raised. This is currently being used to significantly enhance the lives of thousands of disadvantaged youngsters across the UK.

In the current circumstances there will be even more families falling into disadvantage and every donation, no matter how small, really does make a huge difference. The ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need appeal is an opportunity for the UK to pull together at home, work or school, and do whatever is possible to support those in need.

David Ramsden, Chief Executive Officer of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need, says: "Every year we are both humbled and inspired by the extraordinary lengths our supporters go to raise money, and we hope this year is no exception. This is why we are asking for your support again in 2009."

Since the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need Appeal started in 1980, over £525m has been raised to make a real and tangible difference to the lives of disadvantaged youngsters.

Notes to Editors

The ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need Appeal is a charity registered in England and Wales (802052) and Scotland (SC039557) whose aim is to make a positive change to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

Every year, thanks to public donations and the amazing efforts of fundraisers, schools, businesses and corporate partners, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need is able to make a difference to thousands of young lives.

In 2008, the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need Appeal raised more than £37m which will be used to support projects across the UK. The next ´óÏó´«Ã½ Children in Need Appeal will take place on 20 November 2009.

RK/HC