Red Nose Day 2005 will take place on Friday 11th March, and as usual the clown-style red nose will be the symbol of Red Nose Day. The day marks a massive nationwide fundraising event organised by Comic Relief that takes place every two years. All citizens are encouraged to do something simple at their homes, workplaces and schools to raise funds for the anti-poverty campaign in the UK and Africa.

Comic Relief was set up in 1985, and was started by comedians who wanted to use comedy and laughter to let people know about poverty in the UK and in Africa. Comic Relief has been promoted as about having fun and making the world a better place.

Formally launched in 1985 from a refugee camp in Sudan, the launch was broadcast live on Christmas Day on BBC 1.

"Big Hair & Beyond...Just Do Something" is the theme of the campaign this year. The website www.rednoseday.com provides many funny and creative ideas for different people, ranging from organising red hair, red nose and a red wine party to selling homemade cakes on the street.

This year is also the tenth anniversary of Red Nose Day, which takes place every other year. Since its launch in 1985, Comic Relief has raised over £337 million, and during the last Red Nose Day in 2003, the total funds raised in the UK topped 60 million pounds. 40% of the money raised through Red Nose Day is allocated to work in the UK and 60% goes directly to work in Africa.

To participant in the campaign, you can order a fundraising kit online or by calling 0845 605 8000. The kit includes a sponsorship form, posters, celebrities and stacks of fundraising ideas that will enable you to organise your event.

To simply make a donation, you can do it online on the same website (www.rednoseday.com) or make a phone donation with your credit card through the automated Donation Line: 08457 910 910.