It is people power rather than pedal power which is supporting Bolton's Paddy McGuinness on his epic cycling challenge for Children in Need.

By 8.12pm yesterday he had cycled a staggering 66.4 miles and as well as hundreds of people lining his route, his pal and co-presenter on Top Gear, Chris Harris met him during a pit stop to offer some encouragement.

Paddy took a welcome break on day one as he crossed the Mersey ferry and on the other side he was surprised and delighted by 50 seven year old children who were waiting at Pier Head in Liverpool to sing Yellow Submarine as he disembarked.

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And since Paddy loves Black Lace, fellow Boltonian Sara Cox has decided to play him Agadoo... every 50 miles.

The Radio 2 presenter set off on his Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge yesterday.

Credit BBC

He’s attempting to cycle almost 300 miles from Wrexham AFC to Glasgow on a Raleigh Chopper.

Chatting to Jo Whiley once he finished Day 1, Paddy said: “It’s been tough going, I’m not going to deny it, today Jo, but there’s been that many people out, honestly it’s really blown me away how many people came out because when you’re doing your training on your tod you don’t think anyone’s bothered about it, but today it’s just been absolutely amazing.”

(Image: BBC)

He continued, “The best thing today was all the primary schools came out showing pictures and they all had masks on and what have you, masks of me which was a bit weird but lovely! "What was the highlight was seeing kids, you know, we were coming up into Preston half seven at night and they’re all dressed as Pudsey, I’m on about three, four year olds, it was so cute.

"So we’ve got through today, I didn’t think I would, I can’t even believe I’ve done 60 odd miles I’ve never done anything like that before, but I’ll rest up tonight.”

Jo Whiley told Paddy the amount raised during his first day was £155,727

He was emotional as he shouted the amount to the crowd at Preston's Moor Park, saying: “Oh my days, it makes it all worth it. I’ve been to some the places that Children in Need help and knowing where that money’s going it just fills my heart that does.”

Paddy McGuinness does Radio 2’s Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge for BBC Children in Need – donate at www.bbc.co.uk/paddy