Pudsey’s Build a Band Challenge takes to the tracks with Avanti West Coast

• BBC Morning Live presenters on one way ticket to music stardom with Avanti West Coast for Children in Need
• Special journey transports Pudsey’s band to live performance at Salford’s Media City
• Very important person lends a helping paw on presenter’s arrival at Manchester Piccadilly station

Avanti West Coast has teamed up with BBC Children in Need for a special journey to help an all-star band stay on track for a one-off performance during the charity fundraiser.

Signalling the start of the charity’s annual appeal day, the intercity operator transported Pudsey’s new band – formed of celebrities including presenters from BBC’s Morning Live – between London and Manchester as they prepared for an all-star performance which was broadcast live from Media City in Salford.

Co-hosts Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley formed the band, rehearsing and learning new instruments over the past month as part of the charity’s Challenge Yourself fundraising initiative, helping to raise money for children and young people facing challenges across the UK.

Joining them in their new quest was BBC Radio Manchester presenter Mike Sweeney on guitar, Scam Interceptors Presenter Nick Stapleton on drums, Finance Expert Iona on keyboard, and as backing singers, TV doctor Dr Ranj Singh, DIY expert Wayne Perry, and Chef Yvonne Cobb.

The chosen song for the challenge was Tom Grennan’s Little Bit of Love, and following a performance in BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge in the morning, the band were whisked across to London Euston where an Avanti West Coast service was awaiting their arrival to transport them north at 125mph for the next stage of their musical mission – which was a total surprise!

On the train, the group rehearsed in preparation for the night ahead and even had some fun taking over the onboard announcements.

Their challenge forms part of BBC Children in Need's fundraising campaign, helping to raise vital funds for children and young people facing challenges across the UK.

BBC Children in Need supports thousands of people working in locally rooted charities across the UK, helping create connection, confidence and safety for children and young people facing challenges including poverty, inequality, mental health difficulties, serious illness, disability and unsafe or unstable home lives.

On the train’s arrival at Manchester Piccadilly, Pudsey Bear – the iconic mascot of the charity – was stationed on the platform awaiting the newly formed band’s arrival, ready to lead them on their way to their final performance.

Jo Bird, Communications Director at Avanti West Coast, said: "It was a pleasure to welcome the team from BBC Morning Live on board and play a small part in helping to raise money for BBC Children in Need, which is such a fantastic cause supporting charities across the UK.

"Our colleagues and customers fully immersed themselves in all the fun on board which was brilliant to see, and with some sporting Pudsey ears of their own, they made sure that the band arrived ready to steal the show."

Margaret Edge, Manchester Piccadilly Station Manager at Network Rail, said: “It was great to welcome the band to Manchester Piccadilly, alongside Pudsey Bear, who was there to greet them as they arrived off the train from London Euston.

“Children in Need is such an important charity so we’re pleased to have played a small part in this fundraising challenge, which will help and support young people across the UK.”

ENDS