FUNDRAISERS have been digging deep to finance a sports tour of New Zealand by selling thousands of summer flower bulbs.

More than £30,000 is needed to send 14 girls, 25 boys and six staff, from Barnard Castle School, on a three-week hockey and rugby tour of New Zealand.

Twenty two boxes, worth £4,200, were ordered through the school as part of a national initiative - The Bulb Man UK.

Bulbs have already been distributed to staff, parents, friends and neighbours, raising £2,500 towards the tour.

For selling more than £3,500 worth of bulbs, the school is also eligible for computer equipment worth £1,000 and 450 bulbs for the grounds.

Teacher Martyn Lewis said: "We are over the moon with the response. It has been blooming hard work, but well worth the effort in the end."

Rugby player Jack Frater said: "Half my family live over there, so hopefully I will also get the chance to see them. We are all looking forward to playing some good rugby against New Zealand schools."

Hockey player, Lia Spark, said: "I can't wait. It's going to be great.

"I have not been to New Zealand so I am really looking forward to seeing the country, meeting new people and playing against different sides.

"If I get the chance I would also like to try some bungee jumping and jet boats."