Pupils from the Helena Romanes School in Dunmow are holding a Race Night to fund their rugby tour of South Africa. Twenty-seven boys aged between 15 and 17 are hoping to travel over to the republic in July for two weeks to play against schools and clubs t

Pupils from the Helena Romanes School in Dunmow are holding a Race Night to fund their rugby tour of South Africa.

Twenty-seven boys aged between 15 and 17 are hoping to travel over to the republic in July for two weeks to play against schools and clubs there.

Fund-raising organiser Anita Newlands, said: "The tour isn't just about playing rugby, it is a character building cultural experience where the boys will learn about the culture of the country."

The trip will include visits to the townships and the teenagers will stay with host families to learn about how families in South Africa live.

If the trip is to go ahead, the boys and their families have to raise £6000. So far they have raised £2000 by holding cake stalls at the school and quiz nights.

The race night will consist of eight races with eight runners in each. People can buy a horse for £5 with ten pounds going to the owner of the winning horse. For the ordinary punter, betting will be done on a Tote basis.

The race night is being held in the main hall of Helena Romanas School on November 18. Doors open at 7.15pm with a £5 entry fee which includes a ploughman's supper. A licensed bar will ensure punters can either celebrate their winnings or drown their sorrows.

Other forthcoming events include an autograph auction, a teacher gunk tank, and the sale of a 2007 calendar featuring teachers cross-dressed in sports poses. It will go on sale soon at £5 each and available in Dunmow from Jack and Jills, North Street, the Curiosity Shop, Market Place, and the Dunmow Broadcast office in Angel Lane.

For more information about any of the fundraising events, telephone Anita Newlands on 01371 876463.