A COMEDIAN with Yorkshire roots has raised thousands of pounds for charity on International Women’s Day.

Every year on November 8 Richard Herring, who was born in Pocklington, near York, responds to people on Twitter who ask ‘when is International Men’s Day’, by providing them with the answer – November 19.

This year the veteran stand-up comedian is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for Refuge, which supports about 4,500 women and children every day who have experienced domestic or sexual violence, through a justgiving page he has set up.

Herring, who calls March 8 "International 'When's International Men's Day?' Day", said: “I do this so that everyone else can get on with celebrating International Women’s Day and using it to raise awareness of the issues that affect women. And trying to achieve equality. Just like the men who ask when International Men’s Day is could do on International Men’s Day for men, but generally don’t. “It’s really just a bit of fun to point out how unoriginal people are being and also answer the question that they don’t expect has an answer. The answer is November 19. But as the number of people asking never seems to decrease, it’s a busy day for me.

“I thought this year it would be nice if we raised some money along the way, to turn stupid or negative comments by people who don’t understand how to google into something that will be positive and helpful.”

He set an initial target of raising £50,000, but as that target was excedded before midday, it was increased to £100,000.

To donate to Richard’s campaign, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/November19th