Presenter to hunt for 100 red noses hidden in city

BBC Radio Stoke breakfast show presenter Lee Blakeman has been tasked with finding 100 red noses hidden around Stoke-on-Trent as part of this year's Comic Relief challenge.

He will have 10 hours to track down all the noses on Thursday – and has been warned there will be surprises and side-challenges along the way.

The noses have been placed close to iconic locations by the BBC Radio Stoke team, on a trail which will see Mr Blakeman travel the length and breadth of the city.

He has been given clues about some of the challenges but more will be revealed when he sets off just after 08:00 GMT.

"He's got places to be and people to see at some of the stops and, of course, challenges too. So there's no time to spare if he's going to find them all by the time is goes dark," a station spokesperson said.

Mr Blakeman said he was looking forward to searching high and low in each of Stoke-on-Trent's six towns.

"It's kind of like Crystal Maze meets Anneka Rice in Treasure Hunt," he said.

Last year's Red Nose Day challenge saw him on air for a marathon 28-hour radio show.

"As much as I put on the 'grumpy' act, I am actually very excited about this," he said.

He said clues from listeners led to him believe the challenges might include go-karting, a haunted building and throwing a pot.

"I've never thrown a pot before, despite living in Stoke-on-Trent my whole life," he said.

People can support Mr Blakeman by donating to Comic Relief online and follow the challenge via BBC Stoke and Staffordshire on social media or by listening to BBC Radio Stoke on the day.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.