SCHOOLCHILDREN have signed up for a spooky challenge to raise money for charity.

Staff and pupils at St Bede’s RC Primary School, in Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, are taking part in a riverside Halloween Walk organised by Mencap.

The two-mile sponsored walk will take place along the banks of the River Wear, in Durham City, on Saturday, October 31 The fancy dress parade will see witches, zombies, ghosts and ghouls leaving The Sands at 1.30pm and follow the river to The Racecourse, raising money the learning disability charity along the way.

Organisers promise there will be hair-raising fun along the way, including slime experiments and prizes for the best-dressed participants.

Louise Keenan, head teacher at St Bede’s, said: "We’re delighted to be involved with Mencap’s Halloween Walk.

"This is a fun way of supporting what we feel is a very important charity that supports people with a learning disability. We're all looking forward to taking part."

Kelly Railton, regional fundraising manager at Mencap said: "We are very much looking forward to this unique and fun event, and would encourage other schools, colleges and workplaces to get involved.

"The funds raised from the event will help Mencap support the 52,000 people in the region who have a learning disability."

Registration costs £5 per adult and £3.50 per child and walkers can sign up via www.mencap.org.uk/halloweenwalk or by ringing Helen Tibbott on 0191 487 0444.

Mencap recommends minimum sponsorship of £50, but all donations are welcome.