Countdown presenter Rachel Riley put her bravery to the test as she teamed up with a cancer surviving teenager.

The TV presenter and Anne Ranasinghe, 14, of Grange Park, Enfield, got up close and personal with creepy crawlies in support of Cancer Research UK.

Ms Ranasinghe was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2009 and after three years of treatment, she is now healthy and happy.

The pair handled tarantulas and a snake, with the 14-year-old revealing she was not scared at all of either creepy crawly.

She said: “I love creepy crawlies so I wasn’t scared, but it was really weird to hold them in my hands – you just can’t control them. I thought Rachel did really well holding the spider – she was very brave especially as it was pretty huge.”

Ms Riley added: “I’m honoured to be supporting Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens. Holding a snake and lizard is nothing compared to how brave these youngsters have to be. If I can do one small thing to show some bravery and raise awareness of how important it is to fund research into kinder treatments and cures, then you can too.

“I’m now challenging everyone else to face their own fears to support the campaign. The money raised is so important to ensure no child, teen or young person’s life is cut short by this terrible disease. So please do get involved in any way you can.”

Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens launched in January 2015 with the aim of raising money for research specifically into cancers affecting children, teens and young adults.