A COMEDIAN with Yorkshire roots has raised thousands of pounds for charity on International Women’s Day.

Richard Herring, who was born in Pocklington, has performed stand-up for more than 20 years and his podcasts have thousands of subscribers.

For years, on International Women’s Day, he has responded to people on Twitter who ask ‘when is International Men’s Day’, by providing the answer - November 19.

Richard playfully calls March 8 “International ‘When’s International Men’s Day?’ Day”, but his annual tradition also makes a serious point, and this year he is aiming to raise £50,000 for Refuge, which supports about 4,500 women and children every day who have experienced domestic and sexual violence.

On a justgiving page set up for this year’s event, he wrote: “I do this so that everyone else can get on with celebrating International Women’s Day and using it to raise awareness of the issues that affect women. And trying to achieve equality. Just like the men who ask when International Men’s Day is could do on International Men’s Day for men, but generally don’t.

“It’s really just a bit of fun to point out how unoriginal people are being and also answer the question that they don’t expect has an answer. The answer is November 19. But as the number of people asking never seems to decrease, it’s a busy day for me. I thought this year it would be nice if we raised some money along the way, to turn stupid or negative comments by people who don’t understand how to google into something that will be positive and helpful.”

By about midday, the fundraising total had passed £50,000, and the target was increased to £100,000. As of about 3.30pm, More than £75,000 had been donated to the charity.

Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of Refuge, said the charity was amazed at the response and hugely grateful for the efforts, with £52 ensuring a woman and her children could spend a night in safety.

She said: "We are beyond amazed by Richard’s incredible efforts today.

"We cannot thank Richard and his followers enough for helping to raise vital funds towards our life-saving and life-changing services for women and children experiencing domestic abuse."

To donate to Richard’s campaign, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/November19th