Rock choir to launch Children in Need challenge

Rock Choir Northamptonshire (pictured) will send off Annabel Amos and the team for BBC Children in Need on Tuesday

A choir will mark the start of this year's BBC Children in Need challenge in a county with a special performance for one of the presenters taking part.

Rock Choir Northamptonshire will sing as BBC Radio Northampton presenter Annabel Amos and her team set off on a 25-mile, two-day walk, completely three-legged and tethered to a number of people along the route.

The challenge begins on Tuesday across Northampton and continues on Wednesday in Kettering.

It forms part of the national "Thousand Mile Challenge" for Children in Need, which unites BBC local radio stations across the UK to raise money for the charity.

Dave Easter, who leads rock choirs in Higham Ferrers, Wellingborough, Market Harborough and Northampton, said: "We'll have roughly about 50 members coming to support Annabel to send her off on this fantastic endeavour.

"It's lovely to come together and help support the team on their adventure."

They will perform a lively mix of songs including Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses, Sam Ryder's Mountain, and Oasis' Roll With It.

They will also perform Keane's Somewhere Only We Know, recently recorded by the group at Abbey Road.

The challenge will be undertaken by all BBC local stations around the country.

The team will pass through Northampton on Tuesday, beginning their route at the Doddridge Centre.

The walk will then see them visit Franklin's Gardens, Sixfields Stadium and the county cricket ground.

The following day, the team will head to Kettering for a circular walk that starts and finishes at The Green Patch - and along the way they will pass Wicksteed Park and Cransley Hospice.

Thumbs up for fundraising - Annabel Amos and Pudsey are taking part in the Children in Need challenge

Amos, presenter of the breakfast show on BBC Radio Northampton, said: "I walk a fair bit every day with my dog but it's tricky to tie yourself to a labrador, so training has been minimal!

"Having done a bit of practice, I think it's all about timing, so hopefully our walking partners will be in tune with us.

"I'm really hoping lots of people will come and cheer us on – and most importantly donate some money for Pudsey. We won't be walking very fast, so come and join us to witness the comedy."

Further information on BBC Children in Need and how to get involved can be found at bbc.co.uk/pudsey.