Chelmsford driving instructors and their pupils gathered at the Sandon Park and Ride to kick off a charity relay.

Hundreds of driving instructors and pupils across the UK are taking part in the Big Learner Relay to raise money for Children in Need.

The Pudsey top box is being relayed from one driving school car to the next over the 15-day event, which will cover 3,000 miles worth of driving lessons. The event will end with a grand finale on November 17 at Knowsley Safari Park, Liverpool.

Since September driving instructor cars have also been going spotty to raise funds for Children in Need. Over the last three years driving schools across the country have raised over £250,000 for the charity.

Heather Wilkinson, 55, from Chelmsford, helped organise the event. She said: “The Big Learner Relay had 17 cars including a trailer and HGV for the Chelmsford to Harlow leg.

“It was a hugely successful day with bacon butties for the journey. Well done to the driving instructors and their pupils for giving up their time to help raise money for Children Need.”