SCHOOLS, businesses and community groups across Tynedale turned red on Friday after pledging their support for Comic Relief.

But the Red Nose Day action arrived early at Newton’s Mowden Hall school, where pupils and staff embraced the chance to do something funny for money.

Teachers and children went head to head in a hockey match to raise money before the end of term.

The children were given free rein to choose fancy dress outfits for all the staff taking part, resulting in a colourful and creative set of costumes on the staff team.

At the end of the match, the loser got covered in gunge, which was unfortunate for headmaster Neal Bailey, who captained the staff team.

Elsewhere, colleagues and customers from Sainsbury’s in Haltwhistle raised over £600 on Friday.

The store’s chattiest colleague, Liz Smith, raised over £100 from a sponsored silence.

Other fund-raising activities included a tombola, guess the sweet game and a fund-raising disco hosted jointly with Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre.

David Hodson, store manager at Sainsbury’s Haltwhistle said: “Our colleagues loved getting involved with Red Nose Day fund-raising and we’re all really proud to support such a great cause.”

The store was also presented with a cheque for £500 for Comic Relief from the estate of popular local resident Joan Short, who died earlier this year.

Comic Relief was one of several charities supported by Mrs Short who raised thousands of pounds for charity in her lifetime.

At Corbridge First School, as well as dressing in red, the children showed their support by decorating sweet treats to sell.

A ‘beat the goalie’ competition boosted funds to over £314, with an extra £240 generated from the sale of red noses.