The annual STV Children's Appeal live show returns on Friday to help raise money for children and young people who live in poverty.

Lorraine Kelly will host the programme live from Glasgow on STV from 8pm, with help from presenters David Farrell and Ewen Cameron.

They will be joined by Sean Batty and Jennifer Reoch in Edinburgh, Andrea Brymer in Aberdeen, Louise Cowie in Dundee and Nicola McAlley in Inverness.

Sir Tom Hunter and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will also take part, as well as people who have been directly helped through the appeal.

It is hoped this year's appeal will be the biggest yet, adding to the £13.7m raised over the last six years.

The STV Children's Appeal was launched in 2011 in partnership with the Hunter Foundation to help the one in four young people living in poverty in Scotland.

For some families, poverty is so acute they have to make the decision between heating their house or sitting down to eat.

The STV Children's Appeal and the Hunter Foundation came together to raise funds and to help make a real difference to those who need it most.

The money raised helps provide practical support such as food and warm clothes, creating opportunities for training and employability, and enabling social and emotional support.

The £13.7m raised so far has enabled 722 awards to be made across Scotland in the past six years.

While the big show takes place on Friday night, supporters across the country have been helping raise awareness and funds for the appeal all year.

In October, STV2's Live at Five presenters Jennifer Reoch and David Farrell took part in a 12-hour Bounceathon challenge.

Peter Martin and Alan Rough joined community group Help the Homeless at George Square to cook a free hot breakfast for the homeless, while weather presenter Sean Batty has been visiting schools across the country and hosting quiz nights.

Presenter Kelly, who is a trustee of the STV Children's Appeal, said: "After six years of raising crucial funds for children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland, it's fantastic to see that support for the STV Children's Appeal continues to grow in communities up and down the country.

"This year we have seen some brilliant fundraising events by schools, local businesses and individuals who have given their time and commitment to this hugely important cause - while having lots of fun.

"The generosity shown by those getting involved, on any level, is truly heartwarming."

You can watch tonight from 8pm to 8.30pm, then at 9pm on STV.

You can donate to the appeal through JustGiving or donate £5 by texting STVA17 5 to 70070.