Richard ParrPUPILS and staff of Dereham Northgate High School got into the spirit for Sport Relief when they completed a mile around their playing field.Those pupils taking part completed two laps of the field, which was equivalent to a mile, and it was hoped that hundreds of pounds will be raised for the sport charity.Richard Parr

PUPILS and staff of Dereham Northgate High School got into the spirit for Sport Relief when they completed a mile around their playing field.

Those pupils taking part completed two laps of the field, which was equivalent to a mile, and it was hoped that hundreds of pounds will be raised for the sport charity. Some of the pupils and staff really went to town and wore fancy dress, some even taping their legs together so they ran as a threesome or foursome.

The cash raised was increased by the pupils taking part in non-uniform day, paying at least 50p for the privilege of not wearing their usual uniforms.

The event was described as a 'great success' by organiser John Llewellyn of the school's physical education department.

'It was good to see the pupils taking an active part and entering into the spirit, with some of them wearing fancy dress. Head of girls' physical education, Amy Harrison, completed the circuit in a wet suit, complete with snorkel and flippers,' said Mr Llewellyn.

Miss Harrison said that she really enjoyed taking part but found it quite difficult with her flippers on. 'I didn't think I would be able to complete the course but I managed it and was pleased that I did,' she said.

Mr Llewellyn's prize for the best fancy dress went to 14-year-old friends Marcella Aris and Elli Fisher, who dressed as geeks complete with see-through glasses. 'We really enjoyed taking part in the event,' they said.

'It has been a really successful event and I particularly liked the way many of the pupils entered into the spirit of the whole event while at the same time raising money for a worthwhile cause,' said Mr Llewellyn.

Adding to the fun was English teacher Kit Circuit, a stalwart Norwich City fan, forced to wear an Ipswich shirt as part of the Shirt of Hurt Radio 5 effort for Sport Relief.

'I have been a Norwich City supporter for 28 years and making me wear an Ipswich shirt is just terrible but my colleagues at school kept putting cash in so I couldn't really refuse,' said Mr Circuit.

Friends, relatives, staff and residents of Albany House, Fakenham, raised �139.47 when completing the Sport Relief Mile.