BUSINESSES and schools across Swindon turned green again for children’s charity the NSPCC as part of their annual fancy dress day.

The fundraising campaign, called Go Green for NSPCC, started from humble beginnings in Swindon but has been taken up by the charity nationally and is being rolled out across the south west to include areas like Cardiff and Plymouth.

This year in Swindon ten schools took part along with businesses such as Zurich, Deacon’s and Glamour Rose cakes, as well as staff at Swindon Council’s Euclid Street offices.

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy students and teachers were also eager to get into the spirit of it on the last day of term.

Community fundraising manager Caroline Morgan said: “It’s great that the charityhave picked up on the day and taken it further. In Swindon loads of businesses and schools got involved.

“Zurich think they may have raised more than £2,000 already which is amazing. The staff at the civic offices were great too and we took some cakes down for them – the mayor Teresa Page bought one too.

“It’s been brilliant and the only disappointing thing was the weather. We also had a social media campaign around it where people changed either profile pictures to a green smiley face and the text number, so we hope that will help us raise even more money. Swindon Town captain Darren Ward was sharing it on his Twitter.

“Not all the schools are doing it on the same day this year and some are doing it in June or July so there is still time for people to get involved.

“I have to thank everyone who gets involved each year to make it such a good event.”

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy students and teachers would have made anyone green with envy at their efforts.

Linda Woodruffe, community officer at the school, said: “Everyone really got into the theme and we had a teacher dressed as the Hulk, and others in green onesies.

“We’ve been supporting the NSPCC for several years on their green day and we also want to split the money and give some to Prospect Hospice for the 160 Appeal. I think we hope to raise in excess of £800.”

  • Anyone who wants to get involved with Go Green for NSPCC contact Caroline on 07769 680690.