PUPILS at Wey Valley School are hoping to strike it rich by throwing themselves into a fund-raising campaign to scoop sports college status.

All of the Broadwey, Weymouth, school's 1,350 pupils are taking part in a week-long sponsored bowling fest as Wey Valley launches its quest to raise £50,000 to back up their bid to become Weymouth's latest specialist centre of excellence.

Students are keen to bowl their teachers over with their all-action display in the 10-pin alleys at Lakeside SuperBowl in Weymouth all this week to ensure the cash rolls in to win Wey Valley a chance to become a physical education college.

Assistant headteacher Richard Edgeley, who is leading the bid, said: "This is a great event involving all of the students in the school. Bluebird Coaches are sponsoring us with free transport and Lakeside have been great help, too. On the first day alone they managed to raise £1,000 and we're hopeful that that amount will have grown considerably by the end of the week.

"This is a unique opportunity for local sports clubs, businesses and others in the town to forge a partnership which will help win sports college status which is going to benefit the whole community.

"If we raise the £50,000 and our bid is accepted by the Government we will be in line for another £100,000 - giving us a total package of £150,000 for a capital project. On top of that we will get an extra £120,000 a year for at least the next four years with which we can buy in specialist coaching expertise."

He said part of the bid was to develop health-related sports facilities at Wey Valley and creating specialist opportunities for people with special needs to make the most of the facilities. New flood-lit tennis courts, a hi-tech dance and gymnastics centre and top-notch equipment and facilities for more traditional sports too look set to be included in the bid. All facilities will be open to the public if the school scoops specialist status and links with neighbouring Weymouth Sports Club will be strengthened.

Mr Edgeley added: "We already have good links with a range of sports associations in the town including Weymouth Tennis Club and Weymouth Rugby Club and we hope to work in partnership with them and many others to go all-out to win specialist status."

Any individuals, clubs or businesses who are interested in finding out how they can support the bid can contact Wey Valley headteacher, Marcia Headon on (01305) 817000.