CHILDREN with emotional and social difficulties cycled, rowed and swam 30 miles to raise money to buy new playground equipment.

The boys from Tregonwell Academy’s Nigel Bowes campus in Bournemouth staged a ‘triathlon’ to fund extra sports equipment for their school in Ensbury Avenue.

A team of 10 took turns to pedal an exercise bike, row on a rowing machine and swim lengths of a pool.

They were supported by the Village Urban Resort in Deansleigh Road which hosted the event and also donated a free night’s stay for the raffle.

The Nigel Bowes campus teaches primary school age children who have often complex needs, including autistic spectrum disorders.

Associate principal James Franzen said: “

“Our School Council decided that they would like regular access to outdoor gym equipment in the school grounds and wanted to get involved with the fundraising,

“The pupils did such a brilliant job, swimming rowing and cycling over 30 miles in just two hours.”

He continued: “Village Hotel customers donated £50 during the triathlon and we are very grateful to them for their support. In addition, we are now in the process of applying for grants from local charitable trusts to help our fundraising on its way.

“We are also hoping local businesses will support us, perhaps by making us the benefactor of any special Christmas events they hold, or even choosing us as their charity of the year in 2017.”

Nigel Bowes Campus is part of the outstanding Tregonwell Academy which is operated by Ambitions Academies Trust (AAT).

Businesses or individuals wishing to help Nigel Bowes’ fundraising are asked to email Jayne Adamson on: Jayne.Adamson@Tregonwell.co.uk