PUPILS and staff at a Teesside school are raising funds for a bid to become a humanities specialist col-lege.

A race night is being held at the Billingham Synthonia Club tomorrow by members of The Norton School in Stockton.

Everyone is welcome. Tickets, costing £3.50, include a pie and peas supper, and the first race begins at 8pm.

On Friday, deputy headteacher Mark Tilling and school technician Don Rose will be walking 25 miles from Loftus to Norton.

The pair will start walking at 4am and will be met mid-morning at the Tees Barrage by representatives from the school council.

The whole school will be out in force for their return at lunchtime and pupils will join in the fun by completing sponsored circuits of the school field.

Mr Tilling said: "We need to raise a final £17,000 to enable us to apply for special status and this seemed as good a way as any to help towards it.

"It shows we are all behind the bid and are doing our bit to reach the total.

"If we are successful, the specialist college status will enable us to teach a more relevant curriculum, which would enhance our pupils' employability and give them all an excellent start in life."

To buy tickets for the race night, contact The Norton School, in Berkshire Road, on (01642) 557361.