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91Èȱ¬ Radio 1 listeners have broken the million pounds barrier in donations to Comic Relief – the first time that the station has raised in excess of a million pounds for charity.

Radio 1 DJ's Chris Moyles and Fearne Cotton plus seven other celebrities are currently climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Comic Relief and listeners have been able to hear updates of their progress via live links-ups on Radio 1 shows throughout the week.

In addition, Vernon Kay (who is presenting Chris's show while he is away) and the Breakfast team have been undertaking challenges to encourage more donations – which included Vernon abseiling down Twickenham Rugby Stadium yesterday.

In the Chris Moyles Show today listeners raised over £230,000 which takes the total money raised for Comic Relief by Radio 1 audiences to an amazing £1,151,182.

The Radio 1 total contributes a massive 90% to the overall total raised for the Comic Relief Red Nose Climb so far – which stands at £1,274,267.

A delighted Vernon Kay says: "Thank you to everyone who has donated money – we are flabbergasted by the support listeners have given. This week has been phenomenonal! It goes to show that when needed the nation can pull together and donate, even in times of recession."

Ben Cooper, Head of Programmes, Radio 1, adds: "This is fantastic news! We're overwhelmed by the generosity of our listeners. It's the first time Radio 1 alone has raised a million pounds for Comic Relief. Chris and Fearne and the rest of the team out in Kilimanjaro will be spurred on by this great news."

To donate visit: bbc.co.uk/radio1/rednoseday/2009.

CD