t's time to don the red noses and bathe in baked beans, Comic Relief is upon us again, on March 16, and this time it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

This is the 16th year of the biennial extravaganza which raises money for projects in the UK and in third world countries.

The people of Winsford and Middlewich are definitely up for making Red Nose Day 2001 one to remember with schools and the community in general holding an assortment of fund raising events.

Pupils at Darnhall Primary School are doing all sorts of sponsored events including rollerskating.

The youngsters are also hoping they can persuade headteacher Colin Pritchard to get in the stocks and have things thrown at him.

Over St John's pupils are making Delia Smith cakes to sell to raise money for comic relief.

A 'Jazzercise' event is being held at Leaf Lane Infant School, with each individual class raising money, while Wimboldsley Primary School is holding a bazaar with a theme revolving around the colour red.

High Street Primary School pupils are running fun and educational events including sponsored times tables and a sponsored spell, while the reception classes are doing sponsored initial sounds.

Cledford Infant School pupils will be paying to wear red clothes while the juniors will be taking on the visible pants theme.

And at Middlewich Primary School a whole host of events are going on, most of which could cause considerable embarassment to teachers.

The activities include a guessing the teachers' birthdays competition, pinning a red nose on the teacher's photo and, to add to the fun, staff will be bringing in childhood pictures of themselves.

That's not to mention more fun and games and a netball match between staff and pupils.

The winners of all the competitions and events will then be presented with their prizes at a special assembly.

Headteacher John Kenyon said: "We are trying to make it a real fun day, but within it we are putting out a very serious message."

Verdin High School, Woodford Lodge and Middlewich High School have all been doing their bit by selling red noses.

Children at Little Angels pre-school in Middlewich are making their own red noses which they will be wearing all day before selling them on to mum and dad.

Asda's Winsford supermarket will be taking Winsford Town Mayor Jim Hughes hostage from 11am until 3pm and shoppers will have to pay to release him.

Or if they would rather keep him prisoner they can pay to do that instead.

MP Stephen O'Brien will also be joining in at 10.15am by playing the piano for an hour and although he will be playing classical music he will be happy to take any requests.

Staff from the finance team at Centura Foods, in Middlewich, have organised several events to raise money including quizzes and a raffle. Team members are also busy making cakes and fudge to sell around the site over March 15 and 16.