BIG hair will be the dress code for hundreds of people across Hampshire who are planning to make this year's Red Nose Day fundraiser the best yet.

On Friday, March 11 the tenth Comic Relief event will see people take part in a variety of crazy stunts to raise millions for poor and vulnerable people in Africa and the UK.

"Big Hair and Beyond" is the theme of this year's bash and fundraisers are encouraged to change their appearance for the day in a bid to raise cash.

A Red Nose Day spokesman said: "This year's campaign is asking people to change the way they look for the day to help change someone else's life forever.

"The money raised will help to change the lives of some of the poorest and most vulnerable people both here in the UK and Africa.

"Just £1 could provide a child in Africa with exercise books and pens for a term. In the UK, £1 would pay for a call to the 24-hour domestic violence helpline, which gives urgently-needed advice to women experiencing domestic abuse."

Since Comic Relief began in 1985, it has raised more than £337m and readers of the Daily Echo have been keen to do their bit.

During 2003 waxing was a popular, if painful, money-spinner. Forty-year-old Andy Sahota from Eastleigh raised £400 when he had his legs, arms, chest and back waxed.

There are plenty of other ways to raise cash - and we want to hear about them. We also want you to make us laugh, so tell us your jokes and we will print the best ones.

If you have a joke to tell or are planning a fundraising event, call Daily Echo reporter Sarah Gomme on 023 8042 4500 or e-mail sarah.gomme@soton-echo.co.uk.

For a fundraising pack and information call 0845 7910 910 or visit www.rednoseday.com