The countdown to Red Nose Day is well underway - and if you're hoping to raise some money - it's time to start planning how you're going to take part.

Usually people do something fun or silly to get donations or have bake sales.

You can do these activities with your work colleagues, class mates or with a group of friends.

As well as organising an activity you can also purchase official merchandise including the famous red nose, notebooks, tea bags and a host of other items too.

When is Red Nose Day?

It is on Friday, March 24, 2017.

Red Nose Day was created in 1988 by the Comic Relief charity and its main aim is to tackle poverty and injustice in the UK and across the world.

There will be a fantastic night of TV on BBC One, with comedy and entertainment to inspire the nation to give generously.

It's not yet known what time the show will start but it's usually in the early evening and goes on late into the night.

If you are a fan of Love Actually you will be overjoyed to know there is also going to be a sequel especially for Red Nose Day.

Sadly it won't be a full film but a 10-minute mini version. Most of the original cast will be reprising their roles including Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson and Martine McCutcheon.

If you want to organise a fund raising event or simply want to make an online donation you can do so here.

Red Nose Day merchandise

T-shirts

Animal lovers will adore the Comic Relief T-shirts which feature different prints of dogs and cats wearing hats, sunglasses or bow ties. There are child, his, hers and unisex sizes to choose from.

Prices start from £6.99 for a child's T-shirt and £9.99 for an adult's - at least £5 from the sale of every adult T-shirt sold will go to Comic Relief. At least £3 from the sale of every kid's T-shirt will go towards the charity.

The designs were created by renowned fashion photographer Rankin and a host of celebrities - including Heidi Klum, Jack Whitehall, Joanna Lumley and Billie Piper - joined forces for the campaign. Buy from TK Maxx.

Stationery

If you're an avid list maker this notebook might be just what you're looking for. There are three colours to choose from - red, black and white - each comes with the slogan 'make your notes matter' on the front.

The books are priced at £7.99 and at least £3.50 will go towards Comic Relief. There's also a colouring book available for £5.99 which has pictures of Rankin's Comic Relief animals inside. At least £2 will go towards the charity.

Buy both books from TK Maxx.

PG Tips tea bags

If you love tea why not buy yourself a box of these Comic Relief PG Tips? The pyramid tea bags are available in boxes of 40, 80 or 160 bags.

On the front of the box the PG Tips monkey is wearing a red nose and is dressed in a red dinner jacket and a bow tie.

These tea bags are available from most supermarkets including Sainsbury's, Tesco and Asda.

Prices vary depending on the amount of tea bags you buy and which supermarket you go to.

On average a box of 160 tea bags is between £2 and £3 whereas a box of 80 bags is between £2 and £2.50.

Red noses

Because it wouldn't be Red Nose Day without a red nose.

At least 60p from each nose sold will go straight to Comic Relief. With ten different comical characters to be found, which one will you get?

The cute characters include a zombie, a chef, an embalmed mummy, a dog, Frankenstein, a sleepy character and others. The red noses are available from the official Red Nose Day website, Sainsbury's and Oxfam (in stores only).

Comic mug, £3

Swap your usual mug for this colourful Red Nose Day one, which features all of this year’s comic characters. This cartoon mug is perfect for enjoying your favourite hot drink while also supporting Comic Relief. At least £1.50 will go to Comic Relief. The mug is also microwave and dishwasher safe. Buy from Sainsbury's.

Deely Boppers headband, £2.50

Join in the Red Nose Day fun with this novelty headband. Wear your deeley boppers alongside a red nose to really get in the spirit of things - you can look the part whilst also doing your bit for Comic Relief.

At least £1.25 of every headband sold will go to Comic Relief. Buy from Sainsbury's and the official Comic Relief website.

Sparkle badge, £3

Add a little sparkle with this cute badge. A brilliant way to support a great cause with at least £1.50 going to Comic Relief.

It contains a sharp pin so little ones might need an adult to help them put it on. Buy from Sainsbury's and the official Comic Relief website.

Pens

Choose from three charming Red Nose Day pens, in Sniffer, The Snorcerer and DJ Boogie Red Nose designs.

This pen costs £1 and at least 70p will go towards Comic Relief. These are only available on the official Comic Relief website.