A TEENAGER from Paisley has been selected as one of the riders for a seven hundred mile journey across the UK to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

Martin Perry, 19, will be part of the BBC One Show's Rickshaw Challenge.

Martin suffered congenital limb loss, which meant he was born without either forearm or the bottom part of his left leg.

Despite this, he has become a successful sportsman and was scouted by the Drumchapel Table Tennis Club. As result of coaching and support from the organisation, Martin has since represented Scotland at an international level and is part of the GB Pathway squad, and credits the club with transforming his life.

Broadcast on The One Show through October and November, Martin will become a regular on our TV screens across the nation as they follow his progress with the group. 'Team Rickshaw' will be made up of five young people, each supported by projects funded by BBC Children in Need.

Four of the riders will be partnered with a parent, while Martin will ride with One Show presenter Alex Jones. Martin said: "I'm doing the Rickshaw Challenge because it's a great way to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

"It's going to be a massive adventure for everyone involved. I'm doing the challenge with Alex, which is going to be exciting - she's already told me that I'll be doing all the uphill work though."

Rickshaw veteran Matt Baker will also support the ride, acting as a mentor and cycling alongside the riders on their eight-day journey across the UK.

As those who have benefited from the charity's work first hand, the young riders are undertaking the challenge to raise as much money as possible to help other young people across the country.

Matt added: "As a rickshaw rider myself I know what lies ahead for the team, so the advice I'm giving them is a little sugar coated at the moment, otherwise they might not turn up.

"I hope the UK gets out on the streets as they have done in the past. That support that will get them to the finish line."

To support the challenge and donate £5, text "TEAM" to 70705. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message; £5 will go to Children in Need.

ewan.fergus@eveningtimes.co.uk