ACROSS Hampshire people have been making their laughs matter for Comic Relief.

Yesterday thousands of people put on a bright red nose to raise funds for children throughout the UK and in Africa.

In the Hampshire an array of events took place including fancy dress, bake sales, a penalty shootout and a bike ride.

Townhill Junior School children from Miss Baker's class began fundraising in the half term holidays with a host of events including a sponsored silence, bake sale and charity swim.

Alongside the non-school uniform day, the school in Southampton raised more than £1,300.

Miss Baker said: "The students held their own fundraising events and we held an assembly on Comic Relief, the students did really well to raise so much."

Students and staff at Wildern Secondary School in Hedge End raised more than £1,600 by activities including a Rowathon wear students and staff completed more than 550,000 metres.

The school also raised £250 in red nose sales prior to the day.

Re Teacher, Sophie Bullivant said: "The day was organised by the Mind Body and Soul group, who deserve a huge well done - the children had a fantastic day."

At Eastleigh college staffed donned their silliest outfits, from ladybirds to Where's Wally.

Staff battled against students in a fundraising cycling challenge where a total of almost 70 miles were cycled, the college raised more than £250 for Comic relief.

At BT in Southampton, employee Matt Webb took a bucket of water in aid of Red Nose Day raising more than £200.

Students at the University of Southampton completed a broadcast marathon, where they raised more than £500.

The Townswomen's Guild in Southampton have been fundraising for Comic Relief since Christmas, they have created cards as well as knitting various items including ducks and hedgehogs - they raised just shy of £300.

Care home residents at Colten Care's Woodpeckers home in Brockenhurst found their artistic sides as they painted the faces and arms of staff for Red Nose Day.

91-year-old resident, Stanley Crowe said: “I’ve never painted in my life before but I think it's all turned out fine.”

Children at Townhill Junior School raised more than £200 by wearing red clothes instead of school uniform.