A mammoth challenge to raise vital funds for Children in Need made its way through Carlisle today.

The One Show's Rickshaw Challenge came through the city on it's way to Hawick in the Scottish Borders.

The team, led by presenter Matt Baker, arrived to a warm welcome in Penrith last night. Hundreds of people gathered in Market Square in the drizzly rain for the yellow Rickshaw's arrival, which was part of a live broadcast on BBC One.

The nine-day challenge, which concludes in Glasgow on Friday in time for the Children in Need Appeal Show, involves 500 miles of cycling but Cumbria has posed the ultimate test in their challenge to date, seeing them push to the top of the Kirkstone Pass, a near 1,500ft climb.

Matt said: "Yesterday was a challenging day travelling through the Kirskstone Pass, however seeing everyone out on the road supporting us really spurred Team Rickshaw along and gives us the motivation to keep pedalling."

While there are tough moments on the road, mixed with difficult terrains and sometimes adverse weather conditions, Matt added that it was nothing compared to what his team have already been through.

Team Rickshaw consists of six determined young riders who have each been supported through Children in Need. Among them is 17-year-old Shona from Inverness, who was diagnosed in 2015 with Nieman Pick Type C - a rare neurodegenerative condition that causes her difficult with movement, talking and eating. Shona, who is a huge fan of Strictly Come Dancing, was surprised with an annual signed by this year’s participants at the Penrith broadcast.

The Rickshaw left Penrith early this morning - day seven of the nine-day feat - and headed along the A6 to Durdar.

The route took them past Carlisle Racecourse and Hammonds Pond, along Blackwell Road, Currock Road and James Street to Victoria Viaduct and then Lowther Street.

They pedalled to Hardwicke Circus and up Brampton Road to Houghton before heading out to Kirklinton along some of the county's quieter roads towards the Scottish Border.

Pupils from Houghton C of E School in Jackson Road were caught off guard when Team Rickshaw made their way past a little sooner than expected.

But the team made sure all the youngsters were able to cheer them on and stopped as the school rushed out to line up along the pavement.

Deputy headteacher Gill Mawson said: "They really enjoyed it. They loved seeing all the vehicles that were accompanying the team and they were pleased to see it go past their school.

"If they watch Children in Need on Friday they will be able to see some of the people who have been riding it.

"They held up the traffic but they all got to see it."

The school are having a spotty non-uniform day tomorrow to raise their own funds for Children in Need.

Matt said Children in Need is a cause that's "near and dear" to his heart.

"It's the highlight of my year," he said. "I just know that our six young riders have the determination and grit to make it through this year's Rickshaw Challenge. They really are an incredible team"

But he said the rest is down to the Great British public to show their support.

To donate either £5, £10 or £20 text TEAM to either 70405, 70410 or 70420, depending on the amount. Texts will cost your donation plus your standard network message charge.

Fans can track Team Rickshaw's progress at pudsey.viewranger.com/.