SIXTH-FORMERS spent a sleepless night creating a drama in a bid to raise money for specialist equipment.

The group of 13 teenagers from Wolsingham School and Community College were sponsored to stay overnight at the Weardale School to write a play.

Their efforts depicted what life would be like at a television station based in Weardale and was performed in front of more than 150 people.

Head of English at the school, Ian Lister, said money raised from the challenge would go towards buying a sound effects keyboard.

He said: "The school is looking at expanding to gain performing arts status. The sound effects keyboard will provide a very very easy way to flexible sound tracks and background noise."

The keyboard will cost about £500 and the sponsored drama has raised £400 towards its purchase.

The students arrived at the college at 8pm last Thursday and worked solid for 12 hours on their production before performing it at 8am on Friday.

Mr Lister praised their dedication and motivation.

He said: "The work they put into it was phenomenal. Their attitude was spot on. I didn't need to motivate them or give them pep talks, they just did it. They were even extremely creative at 5am, and that is unusual."