BBC Children In Need's Team Rickshaw is given a rousing send-off from Jedburgh

And the team of riders, joined by One Show presenter Matt Baker, received a rousing welcome to the town where they appeared live on BBC One from Jedburgh Abbey on Thursday evening.

The team of riders were welcomed by Jethart Callant Gary Hogg and his henchmen, who accompanied the rickshaw into the Abbey and helped promote the donation text line live on air.

Jethart Callant Gary Hogg said: “I’m sure I speak on behalf of the people of Jedburgh when I say that to have had the chance to be directly involved in welcoming the Rickshaw Challenge to Jedburgh was a great privilege. After all, it’s not every day that we get the opportunity to show off our town to the rest of the UK.

“The townsfolk of Jedburgh never fail to disappoint. Even despite chilly temperatures, it was great to see so many people on both Thursday night and early Friday morning, out in good spirits giving their full backing to Pudsey Bear, Matt Baker and all involved – wholeheartedly cheering on the rickshaw riders and creating a great atmosphere at the start of their long journey.

He added: “The Abbey looked resplendent under all the lights on Thursday night, playing its part in setting the scene on the One Show.

“It can only be hoped that this has created a great advert in enticing people to come and see for themselves what Jedburgh and our surroundings have to offer.”

Setting off in relative darkness at 6am on Friday, the team were cheered along the route at various points between Jedburgh and the Carter Bar as well-wishers, donning their Children In Need flags, homemade banners and even the odd Pusdey suit, came out in force to support the team.

There was no shortage of selfies and support as both Children In Need mascot Pudsey and Matt spent time meeting supporters and posing for photographs in Jedburgh and later as the team took a break at the top of the Carter Bar.

Getting up at 5am on Friday to cheer on the team at Camptown and the Carter Bar was young Lewis Ralston, who said it was well worth the early start.

He said: “I was lucky to meet all the kids taking part at the Carter Bar. They were really nice and very brave. It was good to see Pudsey and get a knuckle bump from Matt Baker!”

That evening’s episode of the One Show showed the huge support shown in the town before following the team’s difficult and relentless climb up the A68 and on to the English border.

This is the first time Team Rickshaw has left from Scotland since the very first challenge in 2011 saw Matt cycle the rickshaw solo from Edinburgh to London.

Matt added: “It was amazing starting The Rickshaw Challenge in Jedburgh.

“A huge thanks to everyone for coming out in the early hours and cheering us on, it was really appreciated!”

Now in its sixth year, the challenge once again involves a team of youngsters, who have all benefited from Children In Need, and are on track to into London on Friday, in time for the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show.

This year’s team is made up of Ebony, 18, from Bournemouth, Andy,18, and Phoebe, 18, both from Derbyshire, Salar, 18, from the West Midlands, Olivia, 17, from Edinburgh, and Ross,18, from Sunderland.

Previous starting points for the challenge include Lands End, Manchester and Wales.

To find out how to donate visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey