Today is an important day for BBC Children in Need as we announce the final total for our Appeal 2013. Since our big night in November our fundraisers and partners have continued to support us by sending in the money they raised.
We have now raised an incredible £49.6 million. This is our highest total ever and a real tribute to the generosity of the public.
Our success this year is particularly remarkable as our main "Appeal Night" was in the same week as the Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal to help the victims of the tragedy in the Philippines.
We know that with the amount of money raised brings with it a high level of responsibility for how we spend it. Our grant makers with the help of expert volunteers work all year round to identify, assess and support projects that we believe will make a real difference to the lives of children across the UK.
Deciding what to fund is not an easy task as we are always asked for more money than we have available, but that drives us on to do the best we can to raise as much as possible each year.
Being part of BBC Children in Need is a privilege. I get to chance to meet some of our incredible fundraisers and partners, the people who run our projects and the children and young people we help.
I would like to thank everyone who has made this year's success possible. You should be truly proud and know that whether you did something big or small it has helped to change young lives.
The next BBC Children in Need Appeal culminates on Friday 14 November and promises to be a great night with people across the UK coming together to help raise lots of money.
To find out more about BBC Children in Need, to see where your money goes, to apply for a grant or to check out last year's highlights visit bbc.co.uk/Pudsey.