The STV Children's Appeal has raised £2,568,369 for children living in poverty in Scotland after a year of fundraising across the country.

Host Lorraine Kelly announced the grand total during a live programme broadcast from STV's headquarters in Glasgow.

She was joined by children, fundraisers and famous faces including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, X Factor star Nicholas McDonald and entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter.

Generous Scots donated cash throughout the live show, while the Scottish Government match funded the first £1m raised by the charity.

The First Minister said fundraising efforts were "phenomenal".

An STV Children's Appeal trustee, Lorraine Kelly said: "What a fantastic night and incredible total raised.

"We can't thank the generous people of Scotland enough for digging deep once again to help the children of Scotland. This money will go a long way to support children and young people in Scotland affected by poverty."

Lorraine was joined in Glasgow by Sean Batty with links to David Farrell and Jennifer Reoch in Edinburgh, Andrea Brymer in Aberdeen and Louise Cowie in Dundee.

Ewen Cameron and Hayley Matthews were joined by other well known faces in the phone room to take donations from viewers before Lorraine announced the total sum raised.

Since its inception in 2011, the STV Children's Appeal has raised £11m, raising £2,913,083 last year alone.

It was launched by The Hunter Foundation and STV, and has since provided practical help like food and warm clothing, created opportunities for training and employability and enabled social and emotional support.

Involved in the Appeal from the beginning, STV weather presenter Sean Batty has cycled the Northern Isles, the Western Isles, Glasgow to Edinburgh several times, climbed Ben Nevis and been involved in hundreds of fundraisers hosted by town and villages all over the country.

Following the result, Sean said: "The people of Scotland have done us proud once again with there massive generosity to help get more children in Scotland out of poverty.

"The pounds have been pouring in for months now with fundraisers being held throughout the year, but tonight a flood of cash came in as the donation phone lines opened.

"Over the years I've I'm always absolutely touched by the efforts people go to to make their events a massive success and great to see communities come together to help me raise money for the charity. I would like to send a big thank you to everyone that's donated and been involved over the years.

"This year I did the Great Edinburgh Run, the Pedal for Scotland and 4 Kiltwalks, taking my 2016 STV Children's Appeal mileage to over 150 miles, and my total mileage for the Appeal since it started to about 800 miles.

"The charity is doing great work all over Scotland. Every penny raised stays in Scotland and helps children from Shetland to the Borders and Argyll to Fife, with at least one charity benefiting in each of our 32 local authorities.

"As an ambassador for the charity, I have handed out some of the cheques and met children that benefit from the money and I've got to say It's made me immensely proud to be part of The Appeal. I hope even more people get involved in fundraising next year and help put more sunshine into the lives of our young people."

Over the last year fundraisers have been held across the country for the Appeal, from Say It Ain't Sew's weekly sewing classes to a battle of the bands competition held at the Clutha bar in Glasgow.

Many generous Scots took part in the 18th annual Pedal for Scotland, cycling from Glasgow to Edinburgh for sponsorship.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: ""Congratulations to everyone at the STV Appeal for raising this phenomenal amount of money.

"Every penny donated will stay here in Scotland helping young people and families across the country.

"The work that goes on to help these people deserves recognition and I'm delighted that the Scottish government will match fund to the tune of £1m for next year's Appeal."

If you would like to donate to the STV Children's Apppeal call 0808 254 0000 or visit the website for details. Lines will remain open until 11pm.