A FESTIVAL with a difference is being organised to benefit a local school.

CostelloFest, the brainchild of the house captains at The Costello School, in Crossborough Hill, is a hybrid of a festival and a fete, designed to help raise money for the school.

So far this year, the students and staff have organised events to aid charities such as Children in Need, Save the Children and Sport Relief.

However, the inaugural CostelloFest will be looking to raise funds to help improve the school by raising money for a water fountain and shaded seating area for the field.

CostelloFest is being overseen by PE teacher and house co-ordinator, Jenny Borthwick. Miss Borthwick said: "The idea for a festival and fete came from the house captains at the school. They were wondering what to do as we approached the end of the school year, and they hit upon this idea.

"We're still in the planning stages at the moment, but we're looking to get lots of local community groups involved if we can.

"So far, we've had a great reaction to the idea, and a lot of the staff have signed up already to help with activities like parking, and other tasks."

There will be traditional games and activities on show at the festival, including hook a duck and other games, which will be run by the students.

Miss Borthwick added: "We are trying to get a community focus with CostelloFest, and having the students run the stalls and games is a great idea. There will also be musical performances from some of the students, and the teachers might perform as well.

"It would be really nice if we could get some more sponsors or raffle prizes, we've already had some great donations from Sony, Flip Out, and Tesco, and anything to help would be much appreciated.

"Even though it is an event at a school, anyone can attend. We are really excited for it."

CostelloFest will be taking place from 4:30pm-7pm on Wednesday, 11 July.

For more information about the event, there has been a Facebook page created with all the details.

If anyone wants to run a stall at the event, or any businesses would like to sponsor or help out, then they can contact Miss Borthwick on j.borthwick@costello.hants.sch.uk.