Miles of fun and hard work for Sport Relief

The TV presenter, who was born in the city, started off the race in which his wife was participating as part of the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile.

Thousands of people, including Emmerdale stars James Sutton and Joe Gilgun, took to the city's streets for a number of runs to help transform the lives of those in desperate need across the UK and in the world's poorest countries.

Mr Reeves said: "I have loved supporting Sport Relief this year and to top it all off today's event has been incredible. Well done to everyone who rose to the challenge, and don't forget to pay in that sponsorship money."

The Leeds Mile was one of hundreds of walking and running events taking place across the country to raise money for Sport Relief.

Elsewhere in the UK David Cameron surged ahead of the opposition when he took on runners racing a mile for the charity along the Thames in central London.

Among the first to cross the finishing line, the Tory leader stormed in leaving Olympic athletes Christine Ohuruogu and Colin Jackson trailing in his wake.

He said: "It was very nice and it is the only time I have beaten Colin Jackson at anything."

Mr Jackson, who broke his run on numerous occasions to greet fans, sprinted across the finish line to cheers, some minutes later.

Speaking after the race, he insisted the Conservative leader had an advantage.

"I was beaten by Mr Cameron, but I told him the real reason

for that was that I was popular and signing autographs. I don't know what that means...," he joked.

The events followed a TV marathon on Friday night which raised more than 29m for the charity.