Guardian and Observer charity telethon raises nearly £80,000

This year’s appeal is raising money for charities providing support services to people struggling to heat their homes and feed their families, via our charity partners Citizens Advice (pictured) and Locality. Photograph: Linda Nylind/The Guardian

Generous Guardian and Observer readers gave more than £78,000 over the phones during our annual charity telethon in aid of grassroots voluntary groups helping people who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

A roster of star journalists including Marina Hyde, John Crace, Polly Toynbee, Owen Jones, Jonathan Freedland, Tim Dowling, and Zoe Williams were on hand in the Guardian offices on Saturday to take calls and chat to readers as phones rang constantly over the eight-hour event.