Paddy McGuinness receives a warm Preston welcome as BBC Radio 2 star’s cycle challenge reaches Preston

Paddy with The Spud Brothers on their potato tram.

Paddy McGuinness received a warm welcome this evening in Preston when he arrived to Moor Park, finishing the first leg of his BBC Children in Need Challenge.

He reached the park just around 8.10pm, cycling 66.4 miles on the first day of his challenge.

The presenter took the A59 route coming up through Penwortham and then headed up Strand Road and onto Aqueduct Street and then finally to Moor Park where BBC Radio 2 in the Park took place.

Greeted by Preston’s very own The Spud Brothers, who were serving spuds all afternoon and into the evening at Moor Park, Paddy then went live on BBC Radio 2, chatting to Jo Whiley.

Paddy talking to Jo live on BBC Radio 2.

He 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.

“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.”

Crowds at Moor Park in Preston waiting for Paddy to arrive.

Jo then revealed that Paddy had raised £155,727 today.

He said: “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.”

Watch back below or on Facebook when Paddy arrived in Moor Park

After chatting to an excited Preston crowd, and even taking some selfies, Paddy then went on board The Spud Brother’s potato tram.

He had a go at making his very own jacket potato with Jake and Harley before heading off for a well-deserved ice bath.

Paddy arriving at Moor Park on his bike.

The BBC Radio 2 presenter is cycling almost 300 miles on a Raleigh Chopper.

Paddy is due to set off again from Moor Park during Tuesday (12 November) morning as he works his way along the Fylde Coast before heading northwards towards Cumbria and the Scottish border.

He will eventually complete the challenge on Friday when he reaches Glasgow.

You can follow Paddy’s route with the BBC’s live tracker and see more about Paddy’s challenge and how to donate to support him.

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