Popular TV Presenter Paddy McGuinness already has people “lining up on the streets” to watch him undergo a gruelling 300-mile cycling challenge in support of this year’s BBC Children in Need fundraiser.

(Image: BBC) The Radio 2 presenter set off on Radio 2’s Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge this morning (November 11) and will be attempting to cycle 300 miles from Wrexham AFC to Glasgow on a Raleigh Chopper bicycle.

Supporters were lining the streets as the star left Wrexham, with eager supporters able to follow Paddy’s journey via a route tracker.

He also spoke to Zoe Ball on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show earlier this morning, at the starting line in Wrexham.

(Image: BBC) Actor Michael Sheen was among those wishing Paddy luck in his challenge.

In a voice note he said : "Hello Paddy, it’s your old mate Michael Sheen here.

“What a fantastic thing you’re doing here. I want to give you as much support as possible, so as inspiration – I'm going to do a bike ride as well! 

“I’m going to go from this wall here, all the way across to that wall over there. If I can do it, *grunts* you can do it, mate! 

“Good luck, all the best *grunts*! All the best!"

(Image: BBC) Before setting off on his challenge, Paddy spoke to Dot Davies and James Williams from BBC Radio Wales about what it was like to train with Sir Chris Hoy: "It's like being a football fan and having a kickabout with Messi.  If you're a cyclist you'd give your right arm to train with him. 

“He's so inspiring he gets me through the days when we're out training and he's just a pleasure to be around."

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He went on to explain why he chose the chopper bike for his challenge: "I could never afford one always wanted one - it's iconic I love the shape of it.

“That's going to be the star of the show, kids are going to love this, and then the mums and dads can sort of have the rose-tinted spectacles on and take themselves back to their own childhoods."

(Image: BBC) Sir Chris also left a message for Paddy before his thigh-burning challenge saying: “There is no doubt this will be the toughest thing that you ever do.

“There's no two ways about it. The next five days are going to be gruelling. Hill after hill after hill.

“Paddy you must keep pedalling on your little chopper. This will be five relentless days over brutal terrain but when it gets tough just remember why you're doing this.

(Image: BBC) “You're doing this to inspire the nation. You're doing this for Children in Need. And we're all behind you.

“And just remember that every mile you ride is a mile closer to getting off that saddle. Paddy you're a hero and whatever happens we're so proud of you. Now: On your bike!”

Those who wish to keep up with Paddy’s journey can receive regular updates from BBC Radio 2 about his whereabouts. He’s due to be speaking to them at the (approx. times):

(Image: BBC)

7.45am / 8.15am / 9.15am: Zoe Ball

10.10am / 11.40am / 12.40pm: Vernon Kay

12.30pm: Jeremy Vine show ‘Just how do you prepare for a physical task on the scale of Paddy’s Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge? Dr Sarah Jarvis is here.

1.40pm: Jeremy Vine show - Welcoming Paddy to the great city of Liverpool.

2.20pm / 3.50pm: Scott Mills

4.30pm / 5.10pm / 6.10pm: Sara Cox  

7.30pm / 7.40pm Jo Whiley, who’ll be speaking to Paddy as he gets to his first night’s stop after Day 1

Radio 2's Live Blog will also be tracking Paddy’s progress across the course of his journey.

To support him donate at www.bbc.co.uk/paddy