THIS year's Children In Need appeal has so far raised more than £13.5m...and counting.

The final sum might fall short of last year's record-breaking £25m, but it will still be massive. Evening Press readers can help the national drive to keep things moving and push the figure towards and beyond the £20m mark. The message has to be - keep that money coming in. If you are owed money by people following some sponsored event, keep chivvying them to ensure that they all pay up.

Since 1980 - its inaugural year- the BBC Children In Need Appeal has raised more than £300. One of the reasons for its enduring popularity is the confidence with which the public views the event.

The appeal employs no professional fund-raisers and relies on the generosity and imagination of the public to raise money. Every penny raised by the public will go towards helping disadvantaged children in the UK.

Since the 2001 appeal, 1,775 grants have been made to children's charities and voluntary groups throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The money has been used to help children suffering through illness, abuse or neglect, children living in poverty and deprived circumstances and those who need extra help because of mental or physical disabilities.

Last year, £10.1m went to children living in poverty or deprivation; £5.5m went to children suffering from illness, distress, abuse or neglect; £4.1m went to children with mental or physical disabilities and £1m to children with behavioural and psychological disorders.

Of course, the big Children In Need day might be over but, if you have not contributed, you do not have to wait until 2003 to help out.

With Christmas in mind, you could buy a Children In Need calendar with the theme River Deep, Mountain High. The charity has joined forces with Countryfile and the Radio Times to produce a calendar of beautiful scenery.

It costs £7 (plus p&p) and at least £4 from each sale will benefit the appeal. Copies can be ordered on 0870 727 4163.

The BBC Children In Need Story Collection, for ages eight-12, costs £5.99 (available from www.bbcshop.com and most book shops). The charity's Christmas cards are available at W H Smith.

This is an Evening Press charity feature, no. 802052. Ten per cent of the advertising revenue will go to Children In Need.

Updated: 10:54 Thursday, November 21, 2002