Red Nose disaster averted as cycling Samaritan comes to BBC Radio Shropshire rescue

The BBC Radio Shropshire team had a double puncture disaster, setting them back several hours in their challenge.

But, thanks to their team spirit and good Samaritans along the way, they competed their epic 54-mile ride.

A tyre burst on a rickshaw being ridden by breakfast presenter Adam Green just a couple of hours after the team set off from The Square in Shrewsbury.

But a Wellington cycle expert leapt to the rescue after anxious appeals for help went out across the airwaves.

Then later, travel presenter Andy Broxton became the cause of a story on the roads when he suffered a puncture near Much Wenlock. He had to ditch his rickshaw and climb aboard Adam's.

However, despite their challenges, they were heartened by the strong support they received.

"We’ve had an absolutely wonderful reception. It has been so nice to see so many people and they have been so kind," Andy said.

Adam, Andy Broxton and producer Richard Tisdale, who was also part of the team this year, raised about £6,000 from their efforts last year. But their final figure won’t be known for a while.

Andy said: “All being well, we should be able to announce our final figure on Monday.”

The madcap team stopped off at three schools on the way to pick up giant red noses, the familiar logo of the Comic Relief fundraising for charities at home and abroad.

The schools involved were St Lucia’s in Upton Magna, St Peter’s CE, Squirrel Meadow in Bratton, Telford and St Georges Primary School in St George’s, Telford.

They were due to visit Upton Magna, Wellington, Telford Town Park and Shifnal.

Last year they walked 20 miles from Bridgnorth to the Wrekin summit.

The rickshaws belong to the Shropshire Cycle Hub. They are normally used to give rides to people around Shrewsbury and Oswestry.

For more Red Nose Day news and how to donate go to comicrelief.com/rednoseday/