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

Roseberry Comprehensive School, in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, is 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.

Already, the school has secured £18,000 from sponsorship and fundraising ventures, but sports teachers hope a sporting venture on May 24 will hike up the 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.

Head of sport at the school, Pam Turner said: "About 150 pupils will be taking part in groups moving round every hour to a different sports activity. The kids are all enthusiastic because they're going to be doing something they enjoy.

"We have 14 staff helping, numerous sixth formers and coaches from Chester-le-Street leisure services."

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

Ms Turner said: "If the Government accepts the bid we can greatly improve the facilities.

"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."

Anyone wanting to help it hit the target should ring Roseberry Comprehensive on 0191-370 0300.