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Sir Terry Wogan comes face to face with his own image in life-size cake form today to mark his 30th anniversary of presenting ±«Óãtv Children in Need.

The stunning creation by Jane Asher, which took weeks to produce, matches his six foot Irish frame exactly. There is no more appropriate way to mark Sir Terry's 30th anniversary – cake sales are the most popular public fundraising activity, responsible for an estimated £2million last year!

The great man said: "Let them eat cake... and let them bake it and do their bit for this year's ±«Óãtv Children in Need.

"This celebration is truly the icing on the cake of 30 years hosting a wonderful appeal and raising over £500million since 1980."

Jane Asher said: "As a former trustee of ±«Óãtv Children in Need, the appeal is very close to my heart. I'm honoured to be involved in the launch of this year's fundraising and was thrilled to be asked to make the cake – I only hope I have done Terry's Irish good looks justice!"

The cake will be unveiled alongside Sir Terry Wogan at 10.30am (24 September) on the West Piazza in London's Covent Garden.

Last year, the ±«Óãtv Children in Need Appeal raised over £37million which is being used to support projects across the UK.

±«Óãtv Children in Need 2009 will take place on 20 November and fundraising packs are available online now.

For more information or your chance to get your paws on some of Pudsey's yummy cake recipes, please visit bbc.co.uk/pudsey.

±«Óãtv Press Office