VIDEO: BBC presenters show pedal power in Ballymena

The One Show hosts pedalled his way through the borough as part of the show’s Rickshaw Challenge.

Having started at the Giant’s Causeway, the rickshaw made its way down the country from the north coast, arriving in Ballymena at the ecos centre and then making its way through the town centre before heading towards Larne, stopping at Moorfields Primary School along the way.

The Rickshaw Challenge will see riders visit all four UK nations for the first time, pedalling around the clock to cover 700 miles raising money for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

Team Rickshaw is made up of five young people, each supported by projects funded by BBC Children in Need, who are riding with partners including The One Show’s Alex Jones. Four of the riders will be partnered with a parent. Rickshaw veteran Matt Baker is also supporting the ride, acting as a mentor and cycling alongside the riders on their eight-day relay journey across the UK.

As those who have benefited from the charity’s work first hand, the young riders are undertaking the challenge to raise as much money as possible to help other young people across the country.

Having completed the Northern Ireland leg of their journey, the team crossed into Scotland and will continue down the west of England and into Wales before finishing at BBC Elstree live on the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show on Friday 15th.

The One Show’s Rickshaw Challenge has raised in excess of £3.5 million for the charity to date.

The team are hoping that with the increased distance, journey into all four nations, and around-the-clock pedalling, this year’s amazing efforts will help raise more money than ever before.

As awlays, an exciting array of the biggest names in music, comedy and entertainment are coming together for the annual BBC Children in Need Appeal show extravaganza.

This Friday 15 November the 2013 appeal night will come live from the brand new Children in Need studio and – for the first time – live from Albert Square.

Sir Terry Wogan, Tess Daly, Fearne Cotton, Zoe Ball and Nick Grimshaw play host to an array of stars, as they join in to help raise money for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

Amongst those lending a hand are One Direction, Doctor Who, Harry Hill, and cast of Call The Midwife. British sporting legends Torvill & Dean will be taking to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, dancing head-to-head in a bid to win the glitterball Pudsey trophy. Whilst he cast of EastEnders will put on a special performance featuring a plethora of dance styles from Bollywood to ballroom, live in Albert Square.

The night of entertainment will also include exclusive performances from the BBC Children in Need Rocks concert masterminded by Gary Barlow, and Frank Skinner will open the doors to a special children’s edition of Room 101. Other music guests across the evening include JLS, Wet Wet Wet, Tinie Tempah, and Ellie Goulding singing the official BBC Children in Need single, ‘How Long Will I Love You’.

Sir Terry Wogan, Children in Need Life President, says, “Every year the BBC Children in Need Appeal night is a testament to the extraordinary generosity of the British people. We’ve got the lovely Zoe Ball joining the firm this year, along with the wonderful Tess and Fearne and Mr Grimshaw, and the inimitable Pudsey. They’re all on hand to prop me up as we traverse a fantastic night of entertainment towards what we hope to be another record-breaking total.”

Paul Wright, BBC Executive Producer, says: “BBC Children in Need’s move to a new home has unlocked the gates to Albert Square which will bring even more excitement to Appeal night. I am thrilled with the spectacular line-up making it the biggest and most ambitious night in the show’s long history.”

David Ramsden, BBC Children in Need Chief Executive, added: “This year the Appeal is really special with people coming together to raise millions of pounds to help children right here in the UK.”

Broadcast details

Friday 15 November

The One Show’s Children in Need special BBC One, 7.00-7.30pm, with Matt Baker and Alex Jones

BBC Children in Need BBC One, 7.30-10.00pm, with Sir Terry Wogan, Tess Daly and Fearne Cotton

BBC Children in Need BBC Two, 10.00-10.35pm, (during the BBC One Ten O’Clock News)

BBC Children in Need BBC One, 10.35pm–2.00am, with Sir Terry Wogan, Zoe Ball and Nick Grimshaw