Skate group plans 24-hour charity roller disco

A group of about 40 roller disco enthusiasts are preparing to take part in a 24-hour fundraiser for BBC Children in Need next month.

Organisers Danielle Bailey and Jude O'Brien are among those joining the skate-a-thon at Biddulph Leisure Centre in Staffordshire.

Ms Bailey said they had done a number of charity events in the past, but had wanted to take on something more challenging.

"It's going to be tough," Ms O'Brien added."I've got no doubt about that, but we do all love skating."

She said they were a group who met up for roller disco each week, and that they were looking forward to the fundraising event – and were stocking up on energy drinks and blister plasters in anticipation of some sore feet.

Ms Bailey said they were training daily, and had recently completed an eight-hour roller disco to help prepare.

She said some of the younger participants were doing three to six hours, with some adults doing up to 12 hours and some setting themselves the challenge of doing the full 24 hours too, albeit with a few breaks.

"We're very lucky that we're able to skate for 24 hours, or skate at all," Ms O'Brien said.

"There's lots of people that need that little bit of extra help."

She said not all children had the same start in life, and their roller skating group had wanted to back "such a good cause" to help children across the country.

The event is due to begin at 14:00 GMT on 8 November and finish at the same time on 9 November.