OFFICES and schools in East Cleveland have been challenged to 'Have A Nice Day' by a skills centre.

The Skelton Social Skills Centre PTA is aiming to raise £4,000 for a specialist piece of equipment that will help two of the centre's users.

A hydraulic lifting system will have immediate benefits for Craig Scothern and Raymond Peacock who dressed up in cowboy gear for the Association's fund- raiser, a themed American Independence Day on July 4 at the outreach centre at High Hills, Brotton.

Fundraising co-ordinator Linda Croft, an instructor/supervisor at the centre, wrote to schools, supermarkets and businesses with details of the 'Have A Nice Day' initiative. She said: "I'm challenging all these organisations to have a theme day. Get staff to pay £1 not to wear their uniform or office attire and adopt a theme for the day - even fine people who do not get involved!

"It will create a good office environment, be stimulating for workers and visitors and be good for team building and morale. We've tried it and it works."

The fund stands at just over £1,000 but forthcoming events organised by staff and carers include a disco and karaoke at the Annandale Hotel, Skelton next Friday.

Tomorrow the Centre's deputy manager, Derek Birtwhistle, is running the 53-mile Round The Howeses route from Scarborough over the Moors.