More than 1,000 students are to be put through their paces on rowing machines in a bid to raise £10,000 for their school.

Wheatley Park School, in Holton, near Oxford, has begun work on a new media and English centre, and needs to raise £20,000 to equip the building.

Starting today, a three-day sponsored rowing event is being held, with students from nearby schools also getting involved.

Head of PE Steve Pearson said: "We're hoping to raise somewhere in the region of £10,000.

"We did it last year and raised £5,000. Doubling it is a big ask, but we think we can do it."

Today's event starts with a two-minute challenge - with the plan being to get each of the 951 pupils in the lower school on one of 68 machines. There will also be a fancy dress row, with staff dressing up and racing each other.

Teams from six other local schools will compete against Wheatley Park to be crowned best rowers.

An inter-school challenge was also held last year - with the host school winning.

Mr Pearson added: "We're hoping to be champions again."

The sixth form will row tomorrow, followed by an all-night row, with 32 more sixth-form students taking it in turn to keep going non-stop from 8pm to 8am.

Students from the John Watson Special School, based on the site, and from other special schools in the area are also taking part.

Mr Pearson said: "Students are excited and are looking forward to their challenge.

"We are getting music blasted out as well, to put everybody in the mood."

The event has been organised with Hinksey Sculling Club, which runs a club at the school.

Machines belong to the school and the club, with additional equipment being lent by manufacturers.

To contribute to the appeal, send cheques to Wheatley Park School, Holton, Oxfordshire, OX33 1QH or email Mr Pearson at sjp3884@wheatley-park.oxon.sch.uk