WREXHAM will be the starting point of Paddy McGuinness' mammoth cycle challenge for Children in Need. 

The comedian, actor and presenter will be taking on a 300-mile cycle challenge as part of BBC Radio 2's 'Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge'. 

Paddy, who hosts a show on Radio 2 is following in the footsteps of Vernon Kay, who ran 116 miles in four days last year. The challenge was announced on Kay's breakfast show on September 23. 

The Take Me Out presenter will set off from Wrexham on Monday, November 11 where he will travel 300 miles through Flintshire, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Westmorland, Cumberland, Dumfriesshire and Lanarkshire before arriving in Glasgow on Friday, November 15. 

However, Paddy won’t be taking on this challenge on just any bicycle, instead he will attempt to complete the route on an iconic, BBC Children in Need customised and modified, Raleigh Chopper bike.

He’ll be passing through and stopping off at villages and towns along the way to meet as many Radio 2 listeners as possible as they cheer him on and help him to raise much needed funds that will help make life lighter for children across the UK. 

Paddy said: “I’ll be cycling from Wrexham to Glasgow. That’s 300 miles, eight counties and three nations. ‘No likey, no bikey’ just isn’t an option!

"As a kid, I didn’t have much and used to be really jealous of my mates riding around on those bikes, so I’m really honoured to support BBC Children in Need by getting peddling to raise as much money as possible for the charity. After seeing Vernon’s incredible efforts last year... no pressure then!”

Vernon Kay, who raised over £6 million last year for BBC Children in Need with his Ultra ULTRA Marathon, says: “I know exactly what Paddy will be going through so I and the rest of our Radio 2 buddies will be supporting him every pedal of the way, especially up all those hills - ouch!”

Simon Antrobus, BBC Children in Need Chief Executive said: “Paddy is taking on an extraordinary challenge which will help benefit the lives of children and young people across the country who are facing significant challenges.

"Right now, the need is greater than ever, but with the support of the public we can continue to lighten the load for hundreds of thousands of children across the UK when they need it most. 

"A huge thank you to Paddy for taking on this challenge, everyone here at BBC Children in Need wishes him the best of luck!”

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, says: “As with Vernon’s Ultra ULTRA Marathon last year, this is one man attempting to do an extraordinary challenge, not least as he’ll be on a bike which is designed for style not endurance cycling!

"We can only imagine how hard it is going to be for Paddy to cycle from Wales into England then onto Scotland over five days, so I’d like to thank him for agreeing to take on this mammoth challenge. I know the amazing Radio 2 listeners will do all they can to support him along the way!”

Paddy’s Ultra Endurance Cycle will be broadcast live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, there will also be a behind-the-scenes documentary broadcast in late November.