Bolton's Paddy McGuinness has been named a national treasure after finishing his epic bike ride today.

This morning at 6.45am, the local celebrity set off for the final 18.5 miles,  after completing almost 300 miles from Wrexham to Glasgow across five days, all on a little Raleigh Chopper which he’s nicknamed Patch.

(Image: BBC) He cycled into Glasgow to crowds of people lining the streets and cheering him on, arriving at the BBC’s Pacific Quay at 10.28, where he was welcomed by Zoe Ball, who was presenting a live outside broadcast of The Radio 2 Breakfast Show in the foyer with a small audience of the public who had received tickets to be there via a ballot.

(Image: BBC)

As Paddy arrived at 10.28am, he was piped in members of the Lomond School Pipe Band, and Chesney Hawkes performed what else, but his classic hit The One and Only.  

Paddy said, in tears: "I can't believe it. Coming out of East Kilbride and I were looking at Glasgow, and it was lit up in sunshine. And the streets were lined, I had Sir Tom at the side of me as well. I came around the corner there, what a sight, what a feeling, thank you so much everybody. Wow."  

Zoe revealed to Paddy that the total raised so far is £7,556,853.

At 8.47am, Paddy was surprised with a visit from Sir Tom Hunter who has pledged to match every donation up to an incredible £3 million.

(Image: BBC)

Sir Tom said: "Come on Paddy, two northern men can't clinch this long"

Paddy added: “Sir Tom, sorry, the man is here Zoe! Thanks for coming over pal."

Sir Tom said: “The Hunter Foundation has been involved in Children in Need right from Sir Terry Wogan's days.

"Every year we think up things to do. When I saw that he was getting on a Chopper, which I used to buy and sell when I was 12 years old, and I thought, that man is going to struggle, so he needs all the help he can get. I absolutely believe the great British public has taken Paddy and the challenge to their hearts. I want to tell you Paddy here and now - an official National Treasure.”