People across East Cambridgeshire braved the elements to line the streets and roads to cheer on the BBC Children in Need’s Rickshaw Challenge team as they passed through the area.

Ely Standard: Pudsey visited Littleport Community Primary School as part of the Rickshaw ChallengePudsey visited Littleport Community Primary School as part of the Rickshaw Challenge (Image: Archant)

TV personality Matt Baker and his band of young people were on the penultimate day of the challenge, which has seen them cycle from Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders down the East Coast with the final destination The One Show studio tonight (Friday).

Yesterday (Thursday) Matt and the six young riders, all of whom have been supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects, pedalled the rickshaw from King’s Lynn to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford passing through Littleport, Ely and along the A10 towards Cambridge.

They were due to make a stop at Littleport Community Primary School but unfortunately for logistical reasons they were unable to attend. But pupils were treated to a surprise visit by Pudsey instead.

Adam Rivett, deputy headteacher, said pupils have been learning about Children in Need and the reasons why the school is supporting such a worthy cause in a series of assemblies.

Ely Standard: King's Ely pupils line the streets to wave the BBC Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge Team onKing's Ely pupils line the streets to wave the BBC Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge Team on (Image: Archant)

They also learned about the Rickshaw Challenge team and how the task they have undertaken is not only a physical one but also psychological too.

In order to help them understand this children have received ‘Pudsey Post’ each day throughout the week with a different activity to complete that tested their own physical and mental skills.

These have included word challenges and planking (supporting yourself on your elbows and toes) for as long as possible.

Mr Rivett said: “The children were hugely excited to have Pudsey turn up in person to deliver the last challenge before the big night on Friday. We hope to raise lots of money on Friday when we dress up in spots for Children in Need.”

In Ely pupils from Kings’ Ely, Ely College and the city’s golf club lined the streets together with the mayor Councillor Ian Lindsay and members of the public to wave Matt Baker and the Rickshaw team through.

They made a quick pit-stop at Ely city Golf Club for refreshments before heading off along the A10.

When the team finish this evening they will have covered over 470-miles.

The team hopes their efforts will not only help them raise money, but awareness of the real difference being made to disadvantaged children and young people’s lives across the UK thanks to the charity.