RED Nose Day is back on March 16. What a hoot. The eighth big day was launched by Robbie Williams who will be auctioning his bed for the cause. And heaven help us . . . Billy Connolly could also be shown in the altogether if viewers pledge a million. Nothing new there then. The Big Yin has already been filmed prancing about naked on two of his travelogues.

The day, which started in 1985, has lost some of its original attraction for me, even though it has raised over £174 million to help the poorest and most vulnerable people in Africa and the UK. Early times used to see drivers accosted at every junction with 6ft rabbits and French maids waving buckets. At the 1999 event I saw little activity locally. I hope it all goes well for the sake of the comedy bunch who still put their hearts and souls into it, but I have a feeling people are all charity-ed out. For those who aren't, join in, say 'pants to poverty' and donate a few bob. The new raspberry blowing whoopee noses are now on sale at Oxfam and Sainsbury's.