ITV’s Text Santa Appeal has raised £4.2m so far for the six charities it is supporting this year.

Last year’s appeal raised £5.5m and people can continue to donate for this year’s appeal until this Friday.

This year’s charities are Age UK, Barnardo’s, Beatbullying, British Heart Foundation, Clic Sargent and Help the Hospices.

It’s the third year that ITV has run the Text Santa appeal in the run-up to Christmas and this year’s live show was hosted by Ant and Dec and featured performances from Gary Barlow, Olly Murs and McFly.

Peter Fincham, ITV director of television, said: “A big thank you to everyone who took part and donated in this year's Text Santa.  Their money will make a big difference to this year's nominated charities.”