BBC Children in Need raised a record £49.6m in 2013, and is accepting applications for grant funding until September.

The amount raised is the highest since the appeal launched in 1980. It includes money that has continued to be donated following the record-breaking total of £31.1m raised on the night of November's televised appeal.

Last year’s event raised £26m on the night and £46m altogether.

The appeal is now accepting grant applications from charities for its two main grant schemes.

The main grants programme has no upper limit but normally gives between £10,000 and £100,000 a year over up to three years, and is open until 15 September. The small grants programme gives under £10,000 for one year, and is open to 1 September.

David Ramsden, chief executive of BBC Children in Need, said: “Everyone who has supported us should be really proud. It’s a fantastic result and will allow us to do even more to ensure that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood and the chance to reach their potential.”

The charity currently works with more than 2,600 projects across the UK, all of which support disadvantaged children and young people. In 2013, the charity helped change the lives of 450,000 children and young people.

BBC Children in Need has now raised over £740.1m since its formation.

Life president of the charity Sir Terry Wogan said: “Each year we’re amazed by the generosity of the Great British public, it’s just brilliant. 2013 was far from an easy year, but thanks to their on-going support we’ve been fortunate enough to have another record-breaking total.

“When we hosted the first televised appeal in 1980, we were delighted with the £1 million raised. I don’t think any of us could have dreamed how far it would come.”

The BBC has announced that the next Children in Need appeal will be broadcast on Friday 14 November.