ONE of the major fundraising events for BBC’s Children in Need — The One Show Rickshaw Challenge — is to pass through Okehampton next month.

Now in its fifth year, the challenge will be led by The One Show presenter Matt Baker and a team of six young riders, all of whom have been supported by projects funded by Children in Need and have shown bravery in the face of adversity.

The team will cover a 470-mile journey from Land’s End to the ‘East End’ — the Eastenders’ set at Elstree Film Studios.

Setting off from Cornwall on Friday, November 6, the team will stop in Okehampton on Saturday, November 7 to spend the night there before they embark on the next stage of the journey.

They are estimated to arrive at St James’ Chapel on Fore Street at around 6pm. However, with the nature of the challenge, the team may arrive late. Keen followers can track their progress online at pudsey.viewranger.com to see what time the team should be arriving in the town.

The following morning the rickshaw will depart Okehampton at around 7.30am, heading off on a 50-mile stint to Taunton.

Matt Baker said: ‘It’s that time of year again, and this year’s Team Rickshaw will be warming up for their biggest challenge yet. It’s going to be tough but with your help we’re hoping to raise more much-needed money for BBC Children in Need.

‘We have a truly inspiring group taking on the challenge, and they all have brilliant stories to tell, so please do get behind them and do all you can to show your support, it really will help make a difference.’

Matt’s fellow presenter Alex Jones will split her time between reporting from The One Show studios and being out with the rickshaw team.

She said: ‘I am delighted that the Rickshaw Challenge is returning again this year. Every year we are astounded at the support people across the UK give to the challenge, and we hope this year will be no different. I know first-hand just how difficult it can be, so I am asking you all to dig deep and show your support for this year’s team.’

Town mayor Cllr Paul Vachon said: ‘It is brilliant news and should be a really feel-good event for Okehampton. We met with the BBC five or six weeks ago to discuss this and we are looking forward to welcoming the rickshaw team at St James’ Chapel.

‘I hope that as many people turn out as possible to line the streets of Okehampton and cheer on Matt and the team as they arrive in our town.’

Since 2011, the Rickshaw Challenge has raised over £7.9-million for BBC Children in Need, with each and every penny going to projects supporting disadvantaged children and young people right here in the UK. The One Show viewers will be able to follow Team Rickshaw’s progress each day, and updates will also be available online at bbc.co.uk/pudsey.

To support the challenge, you can donate either £5 or £10 by text. To donate £5 text the word TEAM to 70705 or to donate £10 text TEAM to 70710. Texts will cost your donation plus the standard network message charge.

All of the donation will go to BBC Children in Need. You must be 16 or over and please ask for the bill payer’s permission.