Latest figures show last night's BBC telethon has already raised a record-breaking £57.8m for needy people in Africa and the UK with that figure expected to swell by another £20m.

In Hartlepool and East Durham people of all ages raised thousands for the charity.

Sainsbury's boss Mark Watson, 31, walked 15 miles from his Ingleby Barwick home to the store in Middle Warren where staff washed customers' cars for cash.

Call centre workers at Garlands in Hartlepool hoped to raise £1,500 with fairground games at Calara House on the marina. Brave Kate

Barnatt, 26, attracted the attention of shoppers when she sat in a paddling pool of goo in Hartlepool's Middleton Grange Shopping Centre for four hours. The mum of one of Collingwood Road, Hartlepool, raised £300.

Tots at the town's Kingsley Surestart playgroup also took a dip in red jelly, raising more cash.

Talented youngsters at Lynnefield Primary School in Hartlepool sang, danced and told jokes in a Britain's Got Talent-style contest.

At Throston Primary School over 400 children and locals dressed in red and formed a giant nose in the playground.

At West View Primary School British gymnast Steven Lee got everyone moving after a demonstration, while at Brougham Primary School teachers dressed up as pupils in one of several fun-filled activities.

Residents at St Joseph's Court sheltered housing in Hartlepool raised £68 by sporting red noses and holding a Comic Relief quiz and bingo.

Members of Manor Residents' Association got in a lather washing people's cars while visitors got exotic henna tattoos and a live band played around the clock.

Peterlee Day Centre collected £235 from head and beard shaves, crafts, and a cake sale while East Durham Homes staff in Peterlee raised over £300 by wearing silly hats.