STUDENTS are embarking on a 24-hour sports session in a bid to help their school secure specialist sports status

Roseberry Comprehensive School in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, is currently trying to raise £50,000 in sponsorship in order to qualify for matching funding from the Government, which will elevate the comprehensive to sports college status.

The school has already secured £18,000 from sponsorship and fundraising ventures, but sports teachers hope a mammoth sporting venture on May 24 will increase that figure.

Students will make their way to a beach at about 9am for a day of beach football and volleyball while others visit Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

At 5pm the fundraisers will make their way back to the school and embark on a circuit of sports activities throughout the night.

The school's head of sport, Pam Turner, said: "About 150 pupils will be taking part. We have 14 staff helping, numerous sixth formers and coaches from Chester-le-Street leisure services."

Roseberry Comprehensive will submit its specialist status bid in October and if successful will develop sports facilities for the school and community.

Pam Turner said: "It's not just for the school, 40 per cent of the money has to be spent on community sport. But we still need help with lump sums of sponsorship money."

The comprehensive has recently been awarded a Sports Mark award from Sport England in recognition of the quality of sport and physical education provided.

Anyone wanting to help the school reach its target should ring Roseberry Comprehensive on (0191) 370 0300.