A COLLEGE'S bid for special status has won the support of three staff who are about to tackle a marathon bike ride.

The group, from Risedale Community College, Catterick Garrison, plan to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats, starting on July 10.

The money they collect will go towards the £50,000 the college must raise to support its application to become a specialist sports college.

Sports teachers Chris Hutton and Selina Brierley and IT technician Gary Lamont hope to complete the route in ten days, calling in at the college on July 15.

Mr Lamont is already a keen cyclist and all three are training at spinning classes, using static exercise cycles, and attending a gym.

Other fundraising events have included the sale of S-PORT Risedale wristbands, a balloon race, student discos and a raffle.