Radio presenters take on Children in Need walk

BBC Radio Berkshire's Katie Tyler and Ellie Tutt donned their best Pudsey ears for the walk

Radio presenters in the south are putting their best legs together for Children in Need.

They've joined colleagues from 40 BBC local radio stations, who have been challenged by Pudsey, to take on a three-legged walk that will see them trek a combined total of 1,000 miles.

Presenters from each station have been tied to volunteers, providing the extra leg, and hope to cover 25 miles during two days.

BBC Radio Solent, BBC Radio Oxford and BBC Radio Berkshire laced up their trainers for the big event which started at 08:00 GMT.

BBC Radio Oxford's Sophie Law kept Pudsey close for the walk alongside volunteer Natalie Valentine

"So finally three-legged running has become trendy again," said Gary Shaughnessy from Tadley.

Alongside his friend Andy, he holds the world record for the longest distance run in three-legged race in 24 hours, at an incredible 72.7 miles (117km).

He gave his words of wisdom to Katie Tyler and Sophie Drew, who have embarked on the challenge for BBC Radio Berkshire.

He said: "Think about it that people are laughing with you rather than laughing at you, because they are probably laughing at you but when you think they are laughing with you, it makes you feel better anyway."

Katie Tyler and journalist Ellie Tutt donned their best Pudsey ears for the walk as they set off from Reading bridge on Tuesday morning while Sophie Drew and Kemi Spence went from Maidenhead bridge.

Both teams plan to walk the Thames path for two days, meeting in the middle at Hambleden Lock.

"I can't believe it's that time of year again for a crazy challenge for Children In Need," said Sophie Law from BBC Radio Oxford.

She was looking forward to the event and hoping "The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" did not get "stuck on loop" in her head.

Katie Martin crossed part of the island tied to Dayna O'Brien, from Isle of Wight Youth Trust

Stomping across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is Katie Martin and her band of helpers.

She set off from The Needles on the island with Dayna O'Brien, from Isle of Wight Youth Trust and the pair ventured on with the chalk under their feet.

The other half of the BBC Radio Solent team has been represented by Steve Harris who has travelled across Dorset.

He spent some time practicing his synchronicity with producer Harry Kille-Smith by making cups of tea while lassoed together in the office.

He will set off from Portland Bill Lighthouse and hopes to arrive at Bovington Tank Museum at the close of day one of the challenge.