COUNTY Durham-born One Show presenter Matt Baker raised more than £1m for Children in Need after cycling almost 500 miles on a rickshaw in just eight days.

He started at Edinburgh Castle and travelled through Hawick, Hexham, Barnard Castle, York, Lincoln, Peterborough and Cambridge before finishing at Television Centre in London tonight.

Baker said: "Since hopping on the rickshaw outside Edinburgh Castle eight days ago, I've been constantly shocked by what's happened.

"To have the opportunity to actually see people's generosity as they run alongside, showing me their support and giving us their money, is overwhelming.

"We havent gone half a mile without hearing cheers and seeing people donate what they can.

"I never had a target amount of money to raise, but I did set out knowing that just a few pounds can make a big difference.

"Now I've parked up the rickshaw and we've hit this enormous amount, I know a staggering number of children's lives can now be different.

"It's been a brilliant thing to be a part of. Thank you for all your generosity and I hope you don't mind if you never see me on a rickshaw ever again."

The star has battled through the pain barrier, often travelling more than 70 miles a day, as he completed the 480 mile route to raise a grand total of £1,263,272.93 so far.