GO THE EXTRA MILE Sport Relief Saturday: 10 July 2004 BBC One from 1900 BST Donate to Sport Relief at www.sportrelief.com

Mr Blair ran a charity mile at his country residence on the eve of Sport Relief's fundraising bonanza.

He was joined by Olympic legend Sir Steve Redgrave and a host of other stars to run his mile.

The Prime Minister said: "The Sport Relief mile is a superb way to get active and raise money."

He added: "It will be great to see tens of thousands of people taking part and I wish everyone the best of luck."

Also at Chequers on Friday were former world champion hurdler Colin Jackson, Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles and Pop Idol judge Nicki Chapman.

They were joined by local schoolchildren and youngsters from two community projects based in London which benefit from Sport Relief funding.

It is the second time the Prime Minister has given Sport Relief his personal support.

In 2002 he played a charity tennis match with Ilie Nastase, Pat Cash and Alistair McGowan following the final of the Stella Artois championships at London's Queen Club.

Sport Relief was set up by Comic Relief and BBC Sport to tackle poverty and help disadvantaged people both in the UK and in some of the most needy countries around the globe.

Tony Blair and Sir Steve Redgrave struggle to keep up with the youngsters at Chequers

Sport Relief will stage the biggest mile event in history on Saturday, with more than 70,000 signed up for a total of 144 official Fitness First Sport Relief Mile events around the UK.

The charity will then take over BBC One on Saturday evening, with a five-hour television special from 1900 BST.

England captain David Beckham will get a grilling from the Fast Show's legendary Ron Manager, played by comedian Paul Whitehouse.

Other highlights include Superstars: Battle of the Channels, a boxing match between EastEnder Sid Owen and Castaway's Ben Fogle and a meeting of the sports quiz shows with They Think It's All Over and A Question Of Sport.