Comic Relief raises $80 million in Britain

LONDON, March 14 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says $80,685,000 raised by Comic Relief is indicative of his country's generosity.

Brown said with nearly $28 million more in donations expected, this year's Comic Relief easily set a record for the fundraising effort that began in 1985, The Daily Telegraph reported Saturday.

"That figure is testament both to their hard work and also to the outstanding generosity of the British people," Brown said.

"This money will make a real difference to children's lives across Africa and across the United Kingdom, allowing much needed care to be directed towards our most vulnerable: our children," the prime minister added later.

Among those celebrities involved in Friday's charity work were soccer star David Beckham, comedian Ricky Gervais and singer Robbie Williams.

The Telegraph said the event also included performances from musical groups including Oasis, Take That and Franz Ferdinand.