A grandmother is among a team of driving instructors performing a mammoth relay to raise money for Children in Need.

Jan Sterry, 50, of Montgomery Road, South Darenth, has helped 175 drivers, young and old, pass their test over her seven-year career but one of her latest lessons was arguably the most important.

The mother-of-two and grandmother-of-one took part in the Big Learner Relay – a challenge involving driving instructors taking back-to-back sponsored lessons across the country for charity.

Last year the relay raised £65,000 and this year, the team are on course to garner even more.

Jan’s leg was a ‘pass plus’ lesson from Millbrook Garden Centre in Southfleet to Cray Valley golf club in Orpington.

As part of the challenge Jan passed on a yellow Children in Need box, that was kept on top of her car, to the next driver who would then do the same.

People could sponsor the instructor by writing their names or a message of support on one of the many the multi-coloured spots on her car.

She said: “For everyone it’s been an 8am to 8pm effort and it’s going to last for 14 days. We’ve already raised £40,000.

“My car has its own Pudsey bandage and is covered in 100 spots, there’s a Pudsey bear strapped to the bonnet and I’m wearing my Children in Need T-shirt wherever I go.

"It’s been an absolutely amazing experience.

“I’ve had lots of good wishes from colleagues, family and friends.

“I really am putting every free moment I have into this.”

The relay started off from Northern Ireland in October and has taken in locations across the country, including the Isle of Wight, before it ends in Swindon on today.

As well as raising money for an excellent cause, Jan also wants to change people’s view on her profession.

She said: “We want to give people a positive view of driving instructors.

“I think they think we go out on the road and intentionally stop cars and do the wrong things on the road. People forget what learning to drive is like and the pressure of having to pass your tests.”

To donate to the Big Learner Relay visit justgiving.co.uk/selkent and to find out more search for big_relay on Facebook or Twitter.

Are you doing something to raise money for Children in Need? Contact the newsroom on 01474 564327