Despite many people staying at home today, a charity hopes thousands will still take part in Christmas Jumper Day.

Save the Children is asking people to flash the festive knits for the eighth year in a row. It has raised £25.1million since it launched in 2012.

But this year the donations are even more important as the coronavirus pandemic has stretched the charity's funds even more. Save the Children raise money to support vulnerable children in the UK and around the world.

So, whether it be zoom calls taken over by jumpers festooned in jingle bells, children ditching school uniforms in favour of winter woollies or supermarket staff sporting sparkles galore - it is hoped despite coronavirus restrictions that communities will continue to come on board just as they have done in previous years.

To take part simply make, upcycle, borrow or buy a festive sweater and wear it today and donate £2 (or £1 for children) to Save the Children.

This year, people can fundraise and donate in whatever way works best with guides, helpful information and free fundraising packs available at www.christmasjumperday.org

Also in a sign of the times - Save the Children is also creating a JustGiving page for schools this year as an alternative way for children to donate their £1. A link for which will be included in each fundraising pack sent out.

And to help raise additional funds, a number of Christmas Jumper Day products are also being released in the run up to the big fundraiser.

Save the Children has printed a limited edition edit of Share the Love vintage jumpers which are available from www.savethechildren.org.uk. Jacob’s is giving its bestselling Christmas caddies a festive makeover with the Mini Cheddars, Twiglets, Cracker Crisps Sour Cream & Chives and Cheeselets – which have been temporarily renamed Treeselets as a nod to the snack’s festive new shape - dressed up in Christmas jumper-style packaging. Jacob’s is donating £100,000 to Save the Children.

Whilst toy shop The Entertainer is selling an exclusive, limited edition toy set of the Peppa Pig family - each wearing their own Christmas jumper with publisher Ladybird once again producing Peppa’s Christmas Jumper Day will be available from all good book stockists, for £4.99 with a 10% donation from the sale of each book being given to Save the Children.

Are you taking part? Send us pictures of you in your festive jumpers on our Facebook page and some will appear online later.

For more suggestions of things to do with the kids in the run up to Christmas visit www.mykentfamily.co.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Kent