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Comic Relief's Red Nose Day nose, designed by Apple iPhone's Sir Jony Ive, and sold by Amazon attracts complaints

Comic Relief's new red nose for 2023 has had a makeover.

This year's Red Nose Day design - created by Sir Jony Ive the man behind Apple's iPhone - arrives flat and folded before opening out into a honeycomb paper sphere people can wear.

The new red nose, pictured here with Lenny Henry, has been designed by the man behind Apple's iPhone. Image: Comic Relief.
The new red nose, pictured here with Lenny Henry, has been designed by the man behind Apple's iPhone. Image: Comic Relief.

Made almost entirely from plant based materials to lessen its impact on the planet, the new nose is also this year being sold by Amazon, which is among Comic Relief's new fundraising partners.

But there is one aspect of the new look design that is not getting a thumbs up from some families - and this is because it isn't suitable to be used or played with by children under the age of seven.

The charity's official online shop page, and Amazon's own website, states that the £2.50 item - which has a clip-like mechanism to sit on people's noses - is 'not suitable for children under 7 years of age due to small parts' which makes it a potential choking hazard.

Schools in previous years have sold red noses but this year's restrictions mean some classrooms can't
Schools in previous years have sold red noses but this year's restrictions mean some classrooms can't

Because of the risk the new-look design poses, it has already prompted some primary schools to not participate in selling red noses this year while others are asking pupils and parents not to bring them to school on Red Nose Day next Friday, March 17, to ensure they don't get into tiny hands.

The issue of not being able to give them to young children is attracting some criticism on social media.

In a tweet to Comic Relief one person wrote: "So disappointed that you’ve created a nose that can not be brought by our infant children! Whatever the reason this should have been thought about and adaptive! Not very inclusive."

Another added: "I love the new nose but I am a bit disappointed that other than this nose, the only merchandise to be bought is tee shirts. I work in a primary school and kids from 3 to 11 love buying the noses as part of our fundraiser. Why has

@comicrelief created a nose for limited ages?"

Radio Presenter Greg James shows the new red nose that is primarily made of paper. Image: Comic Relief.
Radio Presenter Greg James shows the new red nose that is primarily made of paper. Image: Comic Relief.

While underneath a video unveiling the new nose on Facebook one adult wrote that her school had been forced to abandon the official nose in favour of finding something they can sell that is suitable for all.

They explained: "Our school bought a tonne of red foam ‘clown noses’ and are selling them for 50p each! Can be sold to all of our kids ages 3 to 12! And they will pass all proceeds onto Comic Relief!"

In a reply to some of the complaints, Comic Relief has explained the nose's sustainability and new design means the hinge required to keep it in place is made of small parts that has prompted the age limit and warning.

In a tweet the charity wrote: "Hello. We've worked to develop a more sustainable Nose. With this innovative new design we needed to create a strong fastening, and the hinge required small parts so that it can open and close. We really hope to reduce the age restriction next year."

From bake sales to non uniform days, schools are planning their fundraisers for Friday, March 17
From bake sales to non uniform days, schools are planning their fundraisers for Friday, March 17

Comic Relief, which describes its vision as one of a 'just world' free from poverty, raises tens of millions of pounds every year for good causes that support both adults and children.

The charity, held its very first Red Nose Day in 1988, which raised a staggering £15 million.

Since then Comic Relief has launched other fundraisers including Sport Relief and more recently a joint venture with Children in Need called The Big Night In during the pandemic, in order to fundraise for essential projects both at home and abroad.

Every Red Nose Day the charity introduces a new design for its iconic red nose with animals, tomatoes, pirates and crazy hair all featuring in previous releases.

Dame Judi Dench pictured with an earlier Red Nose Day design. Image: Comic Relief.
Dame Judi Dench pictured with an earlier Red Nose Day design. Image: Comic Relief.

Its role as a collectable item means that not all buyers are unhappy with the new look - with some saying its unique design and new sustainability factor makes it a popular item to keep.

One buyer on Amazon - where the new nose has so far attracted a 3.8 star out of five review - said they were glad the new design was not just aimed at children.

They wrote: "While more expensive than previous years, I love that it’s not just aimed at kids. It’s a really unique and collectable design. Collectable item and it’s all for such a great cause!"

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