INDOOR triathlons, a 12-hour snooker marathon and pulling a Chinook helicopter along a runway - these were just some of the ways the people of north Hampshire rose to the challenge for Sport Relief.

The lack of a single major event in the area did not deter people of all ages from doing their bit to raise money for the national fundraising appeal, which has topped £19million.

Staff, members and guests at the Bodysense Health and Leisure Club, based at Basingstoke Country Hotel, took part in a mini triathlon. They had to run 1.6km on the treadmill before completing a 2.4km cycle, finished off with an 800m row.

Ian Charlton, manager of the club, said about 40 people took part in four different age categories and there was a bit of a competitive element.

"Everyone wanted to do their best times and beat their friends, so that added to the event," he said.

The fitness enthusiasts raised more than £220, with several pledges yet to come in.

Two youngsters from Winklebury set themselves the lengthy challenge of completing a 12-hour snooker marathon.

Howard Frost, 12, and Jamie Farrell, 13, both of whom attend Fort Hill Community School, embarked on the challenge at 8am on Saturday at The Academy, on the Moniton Trading Estate, in Basingstoke.

The pair had a visit from borough mayor Councillor Warwick Lovegrove, who played a frame with them.

"He was quite good actually," said Howard, of Tiverton Road.

The pair were sponsored and also had a bucket on hand where people could make donations on the day.

Proceeds from ticket sales for an event at The Academy on Saturday were also donated to the Sport Relief pot.

Jamie, of Kenilworth Road, said: "We really wanted to do something for Sport Relief and we love playing snooker so we came up with the marathon idea."

The total raised by the schoolboys currently stands at more than £200, with The Academy's contributions yet to be added.

Personnel from RAF Odiham battled windy conditions to pull a 15-tonne Chinook helicopter half-a-mile along the runway. Staff also took part in a one, three or six-mile run around the base, paying £2 each. The final fundraising total was £500.

Speaking before the start of the event, Wing Commander Dominic Toriati said: "The Chinook pull is the focal event for the afternoon to support Sport Relief but it also ties in with our initiative to get our personnel involved with sport and fitness."

The RAF teams took 20 minutes to pull the aircraft to the end of the runway.

Staff at Sainbury's, in Hatch Warren, Basingstoke, also did their bit to support the cause. They teamed up with the Aquadrome, in Basingstoke Leisure Park, to complete Sport Relief miles in-store on treadmills, rowing machines and bikes.

Staff had to pay £1 to take part and shoppers were encouraged to donate. The event, which was held last Friday and Saturday, raised more than £1,800.

The women's team from Basingstoke Rugby Football Club took on the men's side to do their bit for Sport Relief.

Players on both teams donned fancy dress and secured sponsorship to raise a total of £150, with the women's side beating the men 7-5.