It’s Red Nose Day and to celebrate eere are some, perhaps slightly edited, nostalgic pictures to kick-start our coverage.

Ipswich Star: East Anglian Daily Times newsroom on Lower Brook Street, 1980sEast Anglian Daily Times newsroom on Lower Brook Street, 1980s (Image: Archant)

The Comic Relief charity was initially set up to raise money for poverty stricken African nations and has come a long way since 1985 - with hundreds of projects in the UK now also receiving support, including several in Suffolk and north Essex.

Ipswich Star: Alf Ramsey, in his tiny office at Portman Road in 1961.Alf Ramsey, in his tiny office at Portman Road in 1961. (Image: Archant)

Across the East of England, Comic Relief is funding 187 projects with grants totalling £3,962,665 – with 169 of those having been awarded funds since the last Red Nose Day in 2016.

Ipswich Star: Cyclists from Northgate High School, Ipswich, on the Cornhill in July 1985Cyclists from Northgate High School, Ipswich, on the Cornhill in July 1985 (Image: Archant)

Over £1billion has also been raised to help fund aid in Africa, and we’re sure you’re doing your part today.

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Town Football Club V Bradford City, November 1978Ipswich Town Football Club V Bradford City, November 1978 (Image: Archant)

The people of Ipswich have always put their all into fundraising for the cause, whether its volunteering in a call centre to process donations or by embarking on sponsored events or cake sales throughout the town centre.

Ipswich Star: St Joseph's College choir singing on Cornhill, 1980St Joseph's College choir singing on Cornhill, 1980 (Image: Archant)

So in the spirit of doing something funny for a good cause, we dug out some nostalgic pictures from our archives and had a bit of fun with them. Do you recognise anyone?

Ipswich Star: The Beatles appear at the Gaumont back in November 1964The Beatles appear at the Gaumont back in November 1964 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: The Ipswich team of 1953-54 This picture was taken outside the changing rooms as the crowd gathered in the background for a match. This was a long way from the managed pre season photo call that takes place now.The Ipswich team of 1953-54 This picture was taken outside the changing rooms as the crowd gathered in the background for a match. This was a long way from the managed pre season photo call that takes place now. (Image: Dave Kindred)

Ipswich Star: The Queen and Prince Phillip on the steps of Ipswich Town Hall with Mayor David Myer, 1977The Queen and Prince Phillip on the steps of Ipswich Town Hall with Mayor David Myer, 1977 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: The line up on Radio Orwell when the station came on the air October 28,1975, included (from the left standing) Harry Rowell, Katie Glass, Greg Bance and Keith Rogers. Seated at the console is Andy Archer.The line up on Radio Orwell when the station came on the air October 28,1975, included (from the left standing) Harry Rowell, Katie Glass, Greg Bance and Keith Rogers. Seated at the console is Andy Archer. (Image: Archant)

The Comic Relief 2017 programme will be broadcast at 7pm tonight on BBC One.

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