Appeal trustee Sir Tom Hunter said the fundraising effort had been an 'outstanding result'

This year's STV Appeal has raised over £2.5m for children affected by poverty in Scotland.

An almost three-hour long TV special anchored by Lorraine Kelly and broadcast from STV's studios around the country on Friday was the culmination of a fundraising and charity campaign, with every penny raised going to children and young people in Scotland.

Lorraine revealed the total of £2,510,002 raised for the STV Appeal 2013 live on STV on Friday night. The Appeal itself raised £1,510,002 with the Scottish Government adding £1m.

The final programme, STV Appeal 2013 – The Big Live, brought together celebrities and fundraisers who made the STV Appeal 2013 a success.

It was packed with live entertainment, including celebrity appearances and inspiring fundraising stories from live STV Appeal events across the country.

Comedian Sanjeev Kohli and singer Michelle McManus joined Lorraine for the show at STV's Glasgow studios.

Cheques from all the major fundraising challenges, including freshnlo Pedal for Scotland, Mark Beaumont’s Highland Line Challenge and An Audience with Sir Alex Ferguson, were presented across the country with Lorraine Kelly bringing the evening to a close by revealing how much the Appeal has raised so far.

The STV Appeal raises money for children and young people in Scotland affected by poverty.

Lorraine Kelly, presenter and STV Appeal trustee, said: "It has been a fantastic evening here at STV and the perfect way to celebrate the fundraising efforts of this year's STV Appeal.

“The incredible amount of money raised tonight and throughout the campaign will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland.

“A huge thanks to everyone who has given generously to this hugely important cause. There is still time to donate to the STV Appeal, so please keep giving!"

Sir Tom Hunter, STV Appeal trustee, said: "This is an outstanding result. We asked the Scottish people to stand up against child poverty and they answered emphatically.

“No-one in Scotland believes we cannot rid ourselves of this appalling blight and thanks to this appeal we go one step closer in a long march to doing so.

"The Scottish Government's commitment to this has been outstanding as has STV and their entire staff - a huge thank you to them all for shining a light on this horrendous problem, a problem we can and will fix."

Garreth Wood, trustee of the Wood Family Trust, said: “Witnessing first-hand the support the STV Appeal has received from across Scotland has been overwhelming.

“To think that 220,000 children in Scotland are still living in poverty right now, in 2013, is incredibly distressing. Meeting some of the inspirational young people tonight who have been affected by this really highlights the key role that local charities play in supporting young people and their families.

“With the help of individuals, communities and businesses, this fantastic total will go a long way in helping tackle the poverty crisis facing so many of Scotland’s children. We, the Wood Family Trust, also hope that our involvement and contribution will make a difference to the lives of Scotland’s most vulnerable children.”