The Big Learner Relay comes through Tiverton

DEVON and Somerset driving Instructors are taking part in a nationwide relay for the BBC Children In Need Charity. Dubbed the Big Learner Relay, instructors from across the nation will be relaying a roof box from one driving lesson to the next across a route that spans the length of the country.

The Roof box being transported is covered in different coloured spots and it also is the carriage that will carry the legendary Pudsey Bear on his country wide tour. Driving school cars across the nation are currently being covered in spots of all colours which can be sponsored to raise money for Children in need, and each sponsored spot is personalised with a message.

Louise Walsh, driving instructor and creator of the event will act as Pudsey’s constant travelling companion as she will be traveling in each lead car on the trip. The event’s aim was to raise £5,000 before the start of the relay, an aim which has been rapidly outdone with the current total raised over £9,000.

The relay is scheduled to begin on the 30^th of October in Northern Ireland and will end in Birmingham on Friday the 14^th of November after traveling a total of 2130 miles. The relay itself will be comprised of 147 legs, which will be continuously followed by a convoy of driving school cars and anyone else who wants to be involved.

Wellington based driving instructor, Janet Bernard, 57 is taking part in the event and has hopes they will continue to raise money for a good cause. “It all started on Facebook” Mrs. Bernard said, “There is a strong community of driving instructors and we met via Facebook. It was there that Louise brought up the original idea and we all loved it.”

“Now that it’s so close, I hope that more and more people sponsor us and get their message on the spots. With luck we’ll also have a long convoy of drivers showing support.” “It’s going to be a good fundraiser and it’ll be nice to get the word out about our businesses as well.”

Helen Levett, from Focus Driver Training, one of Mrs. Bernards employees will travel from McDonalds in Tiverton at 1pm on November the 11^th to Taunton Asda.