BBC Children in Need provides grants to projects in the UK which focus on children and young people who are disadvantaged. It is local to people in all corners of the UK and supports small and large organisations which empower children and extend their life choices.

The grant programmes are open all year round for applications, with a focus on allocating the money to deserving projects 4 times a year. To find out more about grant programmes, to apply for a grant or to hear how some children's lives have been changed for the better, visit 'Change Lives'

Every penny from the money you raise or donate will go towards helping disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK. Children in Need is able to make this promise because it uses investment income and Gift Aid to cover all running costs, meaning that you can be sure your money makes a real difference.

"So far you have helped to raise over £600 million and you never cease to amaze us with your fabulous fundraising events and generous donations. However, there are still so many children that need your help. This year's Appeal promises to be bigger and better than ever before so make sure you get involved and help us to make a difference to children who need our help the most, especially in such tough economic times."

I'd say the tweed jacket or the bow-tie are the most iconic - although the boots are my personal favourite. I hope people donate generously for BBC Children in Need because it's a wonderful cause - and we've got to beat last year's total.

The Doctor at Christmas - nothing is more fun to write. Maybe because it's so his kind of day - everything's bright and shiny, everybody's having a laugh, and nobody minds if you wear a really stupid hat. Of all the Doctors, Matt Smith's is the one that was born for this time of year - so it's the best news possible that he's heading back down the chimney.

Tour done, wine is on,thanks to all who came along-back to Blighty to film Doctor Who Christmas Special..Onward!

Claire Skinner

Claire Skinner is currently starring as Sue Brockman in the BBC One hit Comedy Outnumbered, which is currently in its fourth series.

She trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and her first role was in Hanky Park, by Walter Greenwood at the Oldham Repertory Theatre. She later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company appearing in Measure for Measure at the Young Vic. On stage she has appeared in Charley's Aunt, Othello and most recently in Deathtrap at the Noel Coward Theatre in London. Film roles include parts in Sleepy Hollow, Bridget Jones's Diary and And When Did You Last See Your Father?

She is married to Doctor Who director Charles Palmer.

Bill Bailey

Bill Bailey is an English comedian, musician and actor.

Best known for his stand-up work, Bailey is a well known figure on many comedy panel shows, such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Have I Got News for You, Just a Minute and QI.

Bailey was listed by The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy in 2003. In 2007 and again in 2010, he was voted the 7th greatest stand-up comic on Channel 4's 100 Greatest Stand-Ups. He provided the voice of the sperm whale in the 2005 film The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and has had parts in Burke and Hare, Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang and Skins.

Alexander Armstrong

Alexander Armstrong is is a British comedian, actor and television presenter.

He co-starred in four series of Armstrong and Miller from 1997 to 2001 alongside his university contemporary Ben Miller. He played David Cameron in the satirical fictional documentary The Trial of Tony Blair and a sex-addicted guest in Hotel Babylon in 2007. He appeared in the 2007 Christmas Special of the classic BBC sitcom To the Manor Born playing Adam fforbes-Hamilton, the nephew of Audrey DeVere. He has provided the voice of Mr Smith, an alien computer, in The Sarah Jane Adventures since the series began in 2007.

He currently hosts the BBC daily Quiz show Pointless.

Arabella Weir

Arabella Weir is a British comedian, actress and writer.

She is best known for her roles in The Fast Show and for writing several books including the international best seller Does My Bum Look Big In This? She is a regular contributer to the BBC2 comedy series, Grumpy Old Women. She makes regular appearances in the BBC Radio 4 comedy series Smelling of Roses and "Down the Line". Weir played an alternate female version of the Doctor in the Big Finish play Exile. In the E4 teen drama/comedy Skins she appeared as as the mother of Michelle Richardson.