ENERGY levels reached critical at Chippenham's Sheldon School on Friday as hundreds of children exercised with their sporting heroes to raise cash for charity.

The 750 children, aged between 11 and 13, spent a minute on each of four different exercises in the school sports hall.

The exercises included press ups, sit ups, squat thrusts and star jumps.

Great Britain Olympic 400 metre relay silver medallist Mark Richardson came to inspire the children at the 'Super Schools' sponsored event which was organised by the school's PE staff.

Olympic judo silver medallist Kate Howey, who has already qualified for the next games in Athens, was also at hand to lend her support.

Cash raised by the children will be divided between the school's PE department and the Great Britain Sports Trust, where it will be invested in young British athletes.

This is the second time the school has participated in the event, which it plans to take part in biannually.

Last year £7,000 was raised by four year groups, but this year PE staff hope to raise the same amount with only three year groups.

Sheldon's press liaison officer Ian Beveridge said one youngster raised £100 himself.

Mr Richardson, who won his medal at the Olympic Games in Atlanta, said: "I've had a great morning and from the noise the kids have been making I think they're having a great time too."