Ripley gives big welcome to Sara Cox as total passes £3.5 million

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Children and teachers from Ripley Endowed Church of England Primary School turned out in force to greet Sara Cox last night.

The Radio 2 presenter is running 135 miles in five days to raise money for BBC Children in Need. 

She is carrying Pudsey bear on her back, as part of her mission to take Pudsey to Pudsey in West Yorkshire. So far she has raised £3.5 million.

Sara stayed in Ripley last night at the end of her fourth day after passing through Masham, Grewelthorpe, Kirkby Malzeard, Grantley and Sawley.

Crowds greeted her along the route and there was a particularly big welcome in Ripley when she arrived, led by the school.

When she arrived in the vilage, Sara said: "That was so tough. Oh my gosh, that was so tough, I don't know how I did it."

She will run through Killinghall and Beckwithshaw today on the final day of her run. You can track her journey here.

Victoria Kirkman, executive head of Ripley CE and Beckwithshaw schools said:

"‘Not only are Sara’s efforts utterly inspiring for our pupils but evidences our own federation values of community, compassion and courage. The past two days Ripley and Beckwithshaw schools have had such a buzz raising funds and welcoming Sara and the team to our villages. Good luck Sara!"

Pupils will be out with banners to support Sara once again this morning as she leave Ripley.