Gamers are being offered a chance to compete on live television when Pudsey Bear visits a Kent shopping centre.

The Children in Need challenge at Bluewater, in Greenhithe, near Dartford, will invite racing game enthusiasts to set their best lap time on a virtual Silverstone circuit on EA Sports’ F1 23 game.

The Sim Rig Tour has been touring the country hunting for the nation’s fastest racers with the top 50 being entered into a ballot.

Two winners will then be selected to race on the live Children in Need show on Friday, November 10.

Bluewater centre director James Waugh said: “We are excited to host the Children in Need Sim Rig challenge with Pudsey Bear at Bluewater.

“We hope as many gamers as possible come down to compete for their chance to be on live television and support such a fantastic charity.”

Across the country, Children in Need is funding many charities that are using video games to help support children and young people through various challenges that they may be facing.

Director of content at BBC Children in Need, Tommy Nagra, added: “We are thrilled to be launching this brand new venture to unite gamers up and down the country to help raise money for BBC Children in Need.

“We will be celebrating the potential of gaming to highlight how we can unite new audiences through play and show the positive impact that gaming can have. We hope that lots of gaming fans will get involved.”

The tour will be finishing at Bluewater Shopping Centre on Friday (October 20) from 9am to 5pm, with the iconic Pudsey Bear cheering on competitors.

Racers must be aged 16 and over.