Ref. 27974-27HE may have a sore arm, but it has been worth it for Julien Cini because his arm wrestling efforts for Brimble Hill School have prompted an overwhelming response.

And that is even before his arm wrestling marathon in the town centre this Saturday. "It has been amazing," said Julien, "It has really caught people's imagination."

Apart from raising around £150 so far - at £3 a bout - local firms and individuals have seen his story in the Advertiser and have come forward wanting to make donations to the school, which is planning to move from its Park North site to Abbey Meads.

Reception staff at the JJB Fitness Centre, where Julien is a personal trainer, have also organised a fundraising Christmas party and invited some of the pupils at the school to join in.

"I'm really grateful to everyone who is supporting this," he said. "It means a lot to me. The kids at the school are fantastic."

But the fundraiser, which started at the beginning of the month, has taken its toll on his right arm. Earlier in the year he tore his bicep in a competition. "It recovered but I tore it again on the second day. I can wrestle on both arms but everyone wants to use the right," he said. "It is painful, but I'm carrying on because it is worth it."

Julien's sister Rita, now 22, had a wonderful time at the school and, after hearing that it was on the move, wanted to help in any way he could.

Known in the arm wrestling world as "The Crusader'' you can take on Julien in The Parade between noon and 4pm in return for a donation.