All 120 pupils at Mary Rose School in Portsmouth were given pedometers by staff from the Hilton Hotel in Farlington as part of a charity event run by the hotel chain.

Around the World in a Day participants will collectively aim to travel the circumference of the earth – 24,901.55 miles – by taking part in one of two events: the competitive Team Challenge or the more relaxed Miles4fun.

Pete Best, business manager at Mary Rose School, said: 'The children were quite excited and the staff from the hotel were brilliant. Some of the children walked around in circles so they walked the furthest during the day.'

The pupils have set a high standard to follow and raised more than £330 in sponsorship money by walking or using their wheelchairs on the Miles4Fun event.

The sponsorship was matched by the Hilton Hotel to help buy new minibuses for the special school. The money will also go to Riverside Community Special School, Waterlooville .

Clint Marsh, general manager at the Hilton in Portsmouth, said: 'It doesn't matter what age you are or your level of fitness – every bit of effort helps.'

This Sunday the more rigorous and competitive Team Challenge will take place at the Farlington hotel where teams of four have seven hours to complete as many miles as possible on cardiovascular equipment in the hotel foyer.

The whole event is being supported nationally by some of Sky One's new Gladiators and local competitors can pit their times against those of the show's stars.

The Gladiator Predator, aka Du'aine Ladejo the two-time Olympic medallist, Commonwealth gold medallist and five times European cup-winning sprinter, said: 'It's great to be a part of Around the World in a Day. It's really important to support children who need our help around the country and when doing so it also encourages people to get active. It's a perfect scenario.'

n For more information contact Sandra Millburn, journey ambassador for Hilton, Portsmouth on 023 9221 9111 or log on to www.hilton-founda tion.org.uk