Sporty sorts limbered up and got under starter's orders at the weekend to take part in a series of fundraising events as part of the national Sport Relief appeal.

Here are just some of the stories from South Beds:

More than 120 runners did their bit for charity on Sunday by taking part in Luton's own Sport Relief Mile.

The run took place at the Vauxhall Recreation Club, and organisers are hopeful that it raised an impressive amount.

Duty manager Marc Carter said: "It was really good, apart from the weather. We had quite a lot of young kids and families taking part. I couldn't fault the numbers, they were really fantastic."

Also on hand were Luton's mayor, Councillor Norris Bullock, former Luton Town FC player Marvin Johnson and Hatters defender and captain Keith Keane.

Around 15 volunteers helped out to ensure the event ran smoothly, and Marc said it was good to raise cash for such a worthy cause.


Supermarket staff were hot stuff when it came to raising money for Sport Relief.

A curry challenge was staged at the front entrance of Sainsbury's in Dunstable Road, Luton – and the more cash shoppers donated, the hotter the curry got.

And the store's management team was on fire, raising plenty of money for the good cause in Friday's tasting task.

The event was originally arranged as a forfeit for store manager Terry Eastcott for failing to complete a sponsored diet – but the whole management team was persuaded to join in.

The curry was cooked by the mother of staff member Amir Malik. Two chicken kvahis were made – one hot, and one very hot – along with some spicy pakoras.

Most of the team coped fairly well with both dishes, devouring them at the front of the store while collecting donations from passing customers.

On Saturday, the Sainsbury's team turned to a cycle challenge. Using exercise bikes at the front of the store, they managed to get nearly 100 customers and colleagues to cycle a mile in the fastest possible time.

Proving you're never too young to help a good cause, these youngsters from Whipperley Infant School on Luton's Farley Hill estate have been doing their bit for Sport Relief.

They collected £80 after taking part in a one-mile walk around the school grounds, and at lunchtime teachers and pupils joined in a conga.
Each year group got involved in the fun, and the school held a non-uniform day during which they were encouraged to wear red clothes.