One big RED day of fun (From Gazette & Herald)

One big RED day of fun

CHILDREN and teachers got into the Comic Relief spirit on Friday, raising thousands of pounds in schools across Ryedale.

At Norton College, organiser Maxine Smart said: "This year, a lot more pupils have been involved and many more activities have taken place over the whole week. The build-up to Friday was excellent and the pupils have been very generous and supportive with all the activities. There will be a little more money to come yet. I expect the total to be well over £1,100.

"One group is selling recipe books and this will take a while for all the money to come in."

Staff put themselves in the firing line as pupils threw wet sponges at them and took penalties against them. Staff member Steven Raettig had his beard shaved off, raising £80 for the cause.

Meanwhile at Lady Lumley's, pupils paid to vote for the teacher they wanted to see buckets of gunge poured over, Mr Fairhurst being the unlucky victim. Other events at the school's show included a "Stars in Their Eyes" special involving both pupils and teachers, a performance from the band, Cumachoo, and a sponsored leg wax. A total of £2,165 was raised.

Children at Langton Community Primary School and Leavening School were among those who turned up with decorated faces, way-out hair-styles and red noses.

Over at Luttons School, among others, children were allowed to wear red in return for a donation to Comic Relief.

In the morning, at Luttons School, the children had to do a "Through the Keyhole" quiz, looking at a series of photographs of rooms and guessing which member of staff lived there. The afternoon was rounded off with a talent contest in which most of the children performed. Teacher Dave Blaker said: "Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves in aid of a good cause."

Updated: 11:19 Wednesday, March 19, 2003