PUPILS shunned their uniforms at the weekend to raise money for their school's bid to gain specialist status.

Hurworth Comprehensive School, near Darlington, needs to raise £50,000 by September if its bid to become a specialist maths and computing college is to be successful.

The school could secure £440,000 of extra funding from the Government over a four-year period, if it achieves its goal.

The money would be used to provide top-quality maths and computing facilities, as well as first-class tutoring.

Any new facilities at the school would be available for the wider community to use, as well as for youngsters from the primary schools in the village and surrounding rural areas.

Parents, staff and pupils have been working hard to raise money for the bid and donations have also been received by businesses and organisations in the area.

On Saturday, a group of children did their bit for the fundraising by donning fancy dress costumes for a sponsored walk.

The walk took place around Darlington Football Club's Feethams ground, in the town centre.

Anyone who would like to help the fundraising effort is asked to call (01325) 720424.