Strong arm tactics help students pull together

A TRIAL of strength has raised hundreds of pounds to help services personnel and their families.

Students at Risedale Sport and Community College challenged teams from nearby Richmond School to an against-the-clock 50m Land Rover pull.

Year 10 and 11 teams from each school pulled the three tonne vehicle across the school car park cheered on by staff and students, alongside pupils from nearby Hipswell Primary School and personnel from the 5th Armoured Medical Regiment.

The challenge raised almost £450 for the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s charity SSAFA, which was presented with the proceeds at a ceremony at the school in Hipswell, Catterick Garrison.

Student support manager and service children’s advocate Helen Porritt, who organised the event, said: “Everyone had a great time and we were thrilled with the amount of money raised to mark Red, White and Blue Day, to show support for the armed forces.”

Nearly 50 per cent of Risedale’s students are from armed forces families. Volunteer support co-ordinator for SSAFA Samantha Catt said: “We rely on donations like this and it will be spent wisely in the local area.”