Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the period:
| 2018 | 2017 |
|---|
| Pence per
share | £ Millions | Pence per
share | £ Millions |
| Prior year third quarter dividend paid | 18.0* | 3.4 | 16.0 | 3.0 |
| Prior year final dividend paid | 29.0* | 5.5 | 26.0 | 5.0 |
| First quarter dividend paid | 16.0^ | 3.1 | 15.0* | 2.9 |
| Second quarter dividend paid | 17.0^ | 3.3 | 16.0* | 3.1 |
| Total | 80.0 | 15.3 | 73.0 | 14.0 |
*Dividends in respect of 2017 (78.0p).
^ Dividends in respect of 2018 (85.0p).
The third quarter dividend of 19.0 pence per share was paid on 9 January 2019. The proposed final dividend of 33.0 pence per share for the year ended 31 December 2018 is subject to approval by Shareholders at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for 16 April 2019 and has not been included as a liability in these financial statements. It is proposed that the final dividend be paid on 23 April 2019 to members on the register as at 22 March 2019.