EVENTS have been taking place in the region for this year's Sport Relief, to raise money for charity projects across Britian and worldwide.

Pupils and staff at at Sunnydale Community College in Shildon, County Durham, joined in a sponsored run where they each covered at least a mile.

The college’s 420 pupils were joined by a further 180 from nearby St John’s Primary School at Shildon Sunnydale Stadium. Several teachers also took part in the fundraising run.

The total mileage run by the pupils and staff will be added together in an attempt to break the 1,000 mile barrier.

Ron Milton, acting deputy head at Sunnydale, said: “We were hoping to raise awareness of Sport Relief and it’s a bonus to raise any money.

“We are hoping to raise more than £300 through the events.”

Meanwhile, workers at the Sainsbury’s store at the Arnison Centre, Pity Me, Durham City, formed a Flashmob, dancing to a special version of Black Lace’s song Superman.

They invited children from the nearby Finchale Primary School to take part in the event, one of several being held at Sainsbury’s stores across the country.

Store manager Russ Walker said: “ Our customers have been fantastic in getting behind our Sport Relief fundraising in previous years and we hope this Flashmob activity will ensure we are on the right track to another great fundraising campaign.”

Staff at Sunderland City Council’s call centre will man telephone lines tonight (Friday, March 21)when they act as volunteer pledge takers.

More than 100 members of staff will cover 75 telephone lines open between 6.45pm and midnight for people to ring and pledge their donations.

A councils pokesman said: “Volunteers will also be joining in the fun themselves with activities such as sporting bingo, fancy dress, face painting, balloon games and even a bake-off. “