Pupils and parents will be reaching for gold this weekend at the first of a series of events to raise £50,000 for their school.

Crazy ball, archery, table tennis and curling are just some of the activities on offer this Saturday (April 25) at RA Butler’s Sports Day, put on in the school’s 50th year to raise funds for an outdoor classroom, new playground and storage space for sports equipment.

“We’re a new committee and we’re all fired up to help the school,” said Jennie Jenner, of Friends of RA Butler Schools (FORAB), which is coordinating the event along with James Smith, the school sports director.

“We are very lucky to have this brilliant sports field, but the equipment will get rusty if left outside, so it would be great to have more space to store it,” the mum-of-three told the Reporter. “The fundraising has been driven by the 50th birthday of the school, which is really exciting.”

Earlier this year, the Reporter revealed plans to expand RA Butler, with 15 children set to join reception this September. This will increase the reception year from 75 to 90, and gradually expand the school over the next seven years by more than 100 pupils.

Mrs Jenner insisted the 50th anniversary fundraising effort was unrelated to the school’s expansion.

Events later in the year to reach the £50,000 target will include a summer fair, on June 20, and an evening of music, food and wine on July 11. “The sports day is aimed at primary school children, but everybody is welcome. There’s so much on offer, it should be a great day,” added Ms Jenner.

For just £3 for parent and child and £5 for families, attendees can enjoy a huge range of events, from more traditional sports such as netball, football and basketball to shoot the hoop, detective experience and obstacle course.

Children will be able to pick seven sports of the ones on offer, while a diamond cricket competition for adults will conclude the day.

The event, which includes Year 6 dance performances and a barbecue, runs from 12-4pm.

To donate to the campaign, go to www.gofundme.com/ptg7gk.