A driving relay covering 2000 miles and over 147 driving lessons made its way through Kent over the weekend - led by real learner drivers.

The event, which started in Northern Ireland, brought driving instructors from across the country together with their students to raise money for BBC Children in Need.

The relay carried instructor Louise Walsh from Hampshire, whose idea it was, and the Children in Need learner roofbox from car to car.

On Saturday the drivers made their way from Sevenoaks to Maidstone where a fundraising party was held at the Bull Inn in Barming, hosted by landlord Paul Bates. The event raised £870.

After resting on Saturday, the relay continued through Hadlow, Tunbridge Wells and Sussex on Sunday.

All cars were covered in bright spots - which were donated by RTS Creative in Maidstone and customers covered them with good luck messages.

Wendy O'Kill and Sarah Ladbrook were among the instructors from Maidstone who took part.

Wendy said: "The relay left Wateringbury led by Instructor Sarah Ladbrook with her son Max driving. Max only turned 17 this week and has had 4 days of intensive training with his mum to get him ready for the drive to Hadlow and he did brilliantly. "Our convoy of six cars was met at Hadlow by 3 more. Chris Bensted and his pupil Amy then took over for the next part of the relay of Pudsey, his top box, and Lousie Walsh who is also travelling with the relay for the whole 2000 plus miles. "They handed the Big Learner Relay over to instructor David Baldlock in Tunbridge Wells. I counted 18 driving school cars leaving Tunbridge Wells on their way to Uckfield."The relay will continue around the west side of the country until it culminates in Birmingham on Friday for Children in Need night.To date the grand team total has just gone through £27,000 and members say it has been growing by at least £1000 every day.

Kent schools that took part include Wendy's Driving School in Sevenoaks, Jackie's School of Motoring in Wateringbury, CB's Driving School in Hadlow and BSM in Tunbridge Wells.

People can donate to The Big Learner Relay by texting PASS73 followed by the amount they wish to donate, to 70070

For more info visit: http://www.biglearnerrelay.co.uk