Pupils and teachers at Carterton Community College are making a marathon effort this weekend to raise money for Sport Relief charity with a 24-hour indoor football marathon.

About 150 children, some parents and teachers have signed up to take part in the marathon, which kicks off tomorrow and will carry on into Sunday. Six-a-side teams will be rotating to keep the football flowing.

Assistant headteacher Geoff Cherrill said: "The children have been incredibly enthusiastic about the event."

The game is being organised by boys and girls from Years 10 and 11 as part of their Sports Leaders Awards qualifications.

Lucy Moore, from Year 10, is one of many girls taking part.

She said: "Sport Relief is a fantastic way to raise money, have fun and keep healthy. I can't wait for the whistle."

Jake Flood, from Year Nine, said: "I enjoy playing football and I want to help people worse off than me."

And David Craig, a Year 11 pupil, said: It's a great way to get everyone involved in an activity where they can play with their friends and raise money."

Any donations to the school's fundraising effort xshould be made to either Mr Cherrill or Patsy Moore at the college on 01993 841611.

Sport Relief is an offshoot of Comic Relief and raises money through sport to fund vulnerable people in both the UK and the world's poorest countries. Sport Relief weekend is next weekend - see www.sportrelief.com