MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace was put through his paces when he joined the Dynamites Gravesend wheelchair rugby team at one of their weekly training sessions.

The visit marked the start of the Red Nose Day 2017 campaign. Last time in 2015, the south east region raised more than £1.3million.

The Gravesend wheelchair rugby team is one of 41 projects across the south east that has benefited from that money.

The project involves over 200 young people, both physically disabled and able bodied, helping to break down social barriers and allowing them to play sport alongside one another.

Gregg is an avid rugby fan and was keen to put his skills to the test.

After the training session he said: “I am absolutely knackered! You wouldn’t believe how much of a workout this is. These guys make it look so easy.

“It’s lovely to have the chance to visit one of my local Comic Relief funded projects and to get the opportunity to meet some of the incredible people that benefit from the money raised on Red Nose Day.”

Jason Owen, the team coach and founder, said, “Everyone has really enjoyed Gregg’s visit and it was great to have him involved with one of the training sessions.

“The money that we receive from Comic Relief enables us to buy the specialised equipment we need to continue to be able to train and compete.

“The team is made up of people from all walks of life and levels of ability. It’s a fantastic project to be involved in and I am very proud to be part of it.”

This year’s Red Nose Day is on Friday, March 24. Other highlights this year include the Red Nose Convoy, which will see three pairs of celebrities get behind the wheel for an African road trip delivering crucial supplies to Comic Relief funded projects en route.