A GROUP of Minehead students once again row-se to the challenge after holding a special row-a-thon in aid of an African appeal.

Staff and students from West Somerset Community College braved the ice-cold conditions for the fundraiser on Saturday held in Wellington Square.

The school has set up a challenge to row the 8,000-km distance between the Bircham Road site and its partner school, Buhemba Secondary School in South Western Uganda.

The aim is to raise £1 for every kilometre rowed to reach a target figure of £8,000 with the money set to go towards developing links between the schools and funding a trip to Minehead for the African counterparts.

Teacher and organiser Simon Rossiter said: "In cold and sometimes wet conditions the team managed to row over 80km in four hours - raising over £140."

So far the students and staff have raised more than £600 after rowing almost 1,100km - the equivalent of Minehead to Milan in Italy.

To make a donation give a row a go at the West Somerset Leisure Centre or send your contribution to the finance office at the school marked Row to Uganda.