BBC Radio Lancashire Children in Need Challenge 2018

Presenters Sally Naden and Graham Liver were preparing for their Power to the Tower challenge yesterday before setting off on a five-day ride to Blackpool.

Braced against the cold, the Radio Lancashire stars are competing against each other to be the first to reach the resort’s famous landmark – with teams of three cyclists alongside them.

Wearing her yellow Children in Need jacket, Sally said: “It’s incredibly exciting.

“I’ve just cycled from the car park to the cathedral and it seems the rickshaw has a mind of its own.

“I didn’t do much preparation. I did spinning classes though, but that was stationary. I can go all day like that.

“I do this because I meet people with all sorts of stories and these charities wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for Children in Need.”

Olympic pentathlon athlete Samantha Murray is cycling to support Graham.

The 29-year-old said: “It’s amazing to be part of it. It’s a fantastic cause and it can really change lives. I’m here to support and cycle alongside Graham.

“It’s a long way to Blackpool, but I brought cakes.”

Graham said: “It’s not about winning, but yeah I want to win, and the weather is good today.”

Each team is taking a different route. Sally has a few more miles than Graham to do, due to their starting points, but the teams will meet from opposite ends of the promenade.

As they pedal through the towns of Lancashire, with Clitheroe as their first stop, they hope many people will get involved and donate to support the 54 projects Children in Need funds.

The rickshaw challenge was launched by Lancashire-born singer Alfie Boe and will see the presenters stop off at schools, community centres and Children in Need-funded activities along the way.

Whoever wins will light up the tower in yellow.