STUDENTS around the town are getting ready to celebrate Sport Relief next week with a variety of fundraising games and activities.

At Churchfields Academy, all week students have been doing their bit to raise money for the charity that changes lives all over the world.

The week kicked off with a battle between the staff and students in a cricket match, with the students having the chance to catch their teachers out.

On Wednesday, students in Year 7 and 8 classes wowed the rest of the school with a danceathon, with all those entering paying a fee of 20p to go towards vital funds.

And today, students have a unique opportunity to soak their teachers in the wettest pay-back session of the year.

Maria Woodhall, Student Voice Co-ordinator at Churchfields Academy, said: “Many events will take place in the two weeks leading up to Sport Relief Day, including trying to beat the teachers in cricket, badminton and a penalty shoot-out, and also sponging the teachers where the teachers have to endure having wet, cold sponges being thrown at them during their lunch break.

“There will also be a number of cake sales and a chocolate and sweets sale, a staff and student raffle with some wonderful prizes including Easter eggs, vouchers for local shops and the cinema, and some handy items like pencil cases and pens as well. The main prize is a signed Swindon Town Football Club football signed by all the players.”

On Sport Relief Day itself next Friday, students at Churchfields will be taking part in the Sport Relief Mile around the school field to raise the total even higher, and the day will also host the finals for the Year 7 inter-tutor group egg and spoon race.

Churchfields is not the only school taking part in the big day, with many others around Swindon dressing up and carrying out fundraising activities to celebrate.

At Covingham Park Primary School, staff and students are either dressing in red for Sport Relief or dressing as superheroes to mark the end of the Big Pedal initiative.

At New College, students are also taking part in the Sport Relief Mile.

Fiona Simpson, Enrichment Co-ordinator at New College, said: “For Sport Relief at New College we are encouraging staff and students to pay £1 and wear sporty clothes for the day.

“We are also hoping to have some exercise bikes available to students who will then sponsor each other to cycle a mile.”

There is still time to do your bit for Sport Relief. To find out more, visit www.sportrelief.com