THE FREEZING weather and the odd cold won't be the only thing turning people's noses red today, Friday.

The town will be going Comic Relief crazy to help the nation collect millions of pounds for good causes in Britain and in Africa.

Red Nose Day '99 aims to smash the £11.5 million mark raised two years ago and wacky Warringtonians will be doing their bit to achieve it.

The town's 'phone lines will be red-hot as companies such as Alcone, BT and Intelmark donate their call centres and staff to take pledges on the hot-line number throughout the seven-hour telethon.

Headteacher John Higgins, of Sir Thomas Boteler High School, will be making sure his pupils' funny bones stay fit by taking an aerobics class at the Latchford School.

The hilarious head has been practising all week for the challenge laid down by pupils. He said: "I've been in training for the aerobic step challenge by using the bottom step of my stairs at home.

"Some people say I get out of breath getting up the stairs to the staff meeting but I'm sure I can last the distance."

Staff at Birchwood's branch of the Halifax will be donning fancy dress as they dish out the dosh.

The Warrington Wolves will also be howling with laughter as they give away goodies to help raise funds at the Index centre in Golden Square.

Staff at ASDA Westbrook have to wear red all day or face a fine. So workers who have to wear white (such as those in the bakery) will have to sport red underwear - with spot checks being strictly enforced.

Variety is the spice of life for Culcheth High's Comic Relief effort. More than 90 students will perform comedy sketches at a special extravaganza.

And some townsfolk have already done their bit to make the nation smile.

Girls from 1st Woolston Rainbows have been singing a selection of happy songs at The Mission. Youngsters from Margaret Avenue in Woolston raised more than £50 by selling 'loony' balloons and home-made cakes at a table top sale last Friday.

Vicki and Aaron Heyes, Ashley and Daniel Knight and four-year-old Ruth Towers doubled their previous year's total with a little help from the neighbours.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.