DID you say "pants to poverty" on Friday?

Thousands of people around the country did to make 2001 the most successful year ever for Comic Relief.

Over the past 16 years more than 2,000 celebrities have given their time to Comic Relief and helped raise money by giving the public a good laugh.

But the reals stars of Red Nose Day are the people who take part in all the crazy activities - and this year the people of Northwich really pushed the boat out and raised stacks of cash for charity.

Whether it was eating baked beans with cocktail sticks or painting their bodies red, Northwich residents, particularly the school children, really outdid themselves.

At Antrobus Primary School the pupils raised £128, Barnton Infant and Junior School raised £420, Davenham Primary School managed to bag £234, Sandiway Primary School collected £177, Wincham Primary School gathered £240 and Hartford County Primary raised just over £650.

The high schools were so successful that they have yet to count the total money raised but Weaverham High School have already counted in excess of £1,500.

Thanks to a range of activities Mid Cheshire College raised over £500 and Rosebank School collected £217.

Chrysalis Day Nursery has, so far, raised nearly £300 but this is expected to rise as not all the money has been collected.

Money raised will be used to help educate people in the third world and help rebuild communities after conflict.

In the UK it will help disabled people challenge prejudice and support the old and vulnerable members of the community.