STUDENTS at a special needs school are taking part in a six-hour non-stop tandem ride to raise funds for a new school building.

Pupils from Abbey Hill Special School in Stockton, Teesside will take to the track of Claireville Athletics Stadium in Middlesbrough for the fundraising event.

The marathon bike ride will see pupils at the school take turns to share the tandem with Abbey Hill teacher Paul Tyler.

Funds from the event on Thursday will go towards a new sixth form building at the school site, in Ketton Road, Stockton. The school caters for children with a range of learning difficulties.

Mr Tyler, who is a competitive racing cyclist in his spare time, said they were expecting to cover about 80 miles in the course of the day.

He said: "Obviously for me it won't be so difficult as I'm used to cycling long distances. But this is going to be a big thing for some of the children taking part."

Collection points for donations will be available on the day at the school and at the stadium. To find out more, call the school on (01642) 677113.