PUPILS at Yarm Grammar School are searching for sponsors to help them raise funds for a rugby tour of New Zealand.

The school is hoping to take 33 sixth-form boys on the three-week trip in July but the pupils are being asked to meet the cost themselves.

Frantic fundraising within the school has helped to soften the blow, with a sportsman's dinner, race night and promise auction all raising cash.

The pupils have also been selling cookery books and merchandise as well as bag packing at a local supermarket. They are also planning a ten- mile sponsored run in the Yorkshire Dales, on June 29, to raise more money.

Two teams will travel to New Zealand on July 26, each planning to play four games against other school sides.

The tour will then continue to the Cook Islands for another match.

Tour manager at the school, Stuart Hardy, said: "We're still looking for anybody interested in putting their names on shirts to help us raise even more money."

Anyone interested should contact (01642) 781447.