You've done it - once again, Argus readers have surpassed all expectations in raising cash for the annual appeal.

The total of £70,000 is a new record. It's more than twice the sum raised last year and there's still more to come.

This year the Argus Appeal was launched in spectacular style at a party in the Grand Hotel which alone raised £29,000.

That was a wonderful start for the Appeal which has had a momentum all of its own. Traditional money-raisers such as the bookshop have continued to attract customers while many new fund-raising activities have also been put in place.

What readers know, and one of the main reasons they support the Appeal, is that all the cash goes straight into helping local people in need. The Argus itself pays for all the administration costs.

The cash is providing aid for young and old, all over Sussex.

Heartwarming thank-yous from people who have received aid have already shown the organisers and fund-raisers that their work has been worthwhile.

The Appeal has been running for more than 40 years and has become an institution in Sussex.

But this year it has gained even more sparkle.