Christine Bleakley joins Sport Relief stars for PM's reception

Cross-Channel water-skier Christine Bleakley joined other Sport Relief stars to be congratulated on their efforts by the Prime Minister today.

Blue Peter host Helen Skelton - who kayaked down the Amazon to set a world record - and celebrity cyclists Fearne Cotton, Miranda Hart and Jimmy Carr were among those who met Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street.

And the PM paid tribute to their determination to rise to their challenges which have raised cash for this weekend's Sport Relief efforts.

One Show presenter Bleakley last week water-skied from England to France in 100 minutes, braving the cold in the English Channel.

Cotton and Co cycled from John O'Groats to Land's End, while another visitor, former rugby star Lawrence Dallaglio, recently completed a 3,000km (1,864-mile) cycle journey from Rome to Edinburgh.

Mr Brown said today: "I am always moved and inspired when I hear about people who have gone to incredible lengths to raise money for important causes.

"But these celebrities haven't just inspired me - they have also inspired people across the country to get involved in Sport Relief by raising money and getting active at the same time.

"The amount that has been raised so far is testament to the British public's willingness to help those living incredibly tough lives in some of the world's poorest countries as well as here in the UK."