STUDENTS at Priory Talocher School in Monmouth donned their sports gear to raise money for Sport Relief this week.

Fifty students teamed up to row the equivalent of the Dover Strait – from Dover to Calais – on static rowing machines, and have so far raised £500.

The students completed the challenge with flying colours, completing more than 80km of rowing on average per day - one pupil even managed 66.6km on his own.

Learning support worker at the school, Aled Collier, said he was proud of the children’s efforts.

“We always do something for Sport Relief and Children in Need, and this year has been no different,” Mr Collier said. “The benefits of physical and practical work, especially when it is for charity, can be enormous.

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“A lot of the kids struggle with everyday lessons, so extra-curricular is really important to teach life skills.”

Deputy headteacher Owen Marshall thanked Monmouth Rowing Club for their donation of two rowing machines to the school, and praised students and staff for their efforts.

“Bearing in mind many of the pupils had never seen a rowing machine let alone used one, this is a great thing,” said Mr Marshall.

“To see our pupils, many of whom are in care themselves or dealing with such complex social emotional and mental health difficulties, working hard to complete a challenge to benefit others is very humbling.

“The physical benefits of competing such a task are obvious but the social and emotional development of pupils who all engaged in this task is something that will leave a lasting mark on staff.

“How well pupils were able to work together, motivate and challenge each other was special to see.”