SCHOOLS in the Basingstoke area are being encouraged to join the Ark Day fun.

Each school is being asked to consider holding a non-uniform day in exchange for a £1 contribution per pupil to the Ark Cancer Centre Charity’s campaign to help fund a new treatment centre.

This week, Castle Hill Primary School, which has campuses in Winklebury and Rooksdown, became the first school to sign up to support Ark Day, and some of the pupils had their pictures taken with Moneypenny, the piggy bank Ark Day mascot.

Headteacher John Martin said: “We are delighted to support Ark Day. Having a non-uniform day on Friday, 21 June where pupils donate £1 to take part is a very simple and easy way to support this good cause.

“Ark Cancer Centre Charity is raising funds for a much-needed cancer treatment centre that will make a massive difference to the lives of local cancer patients and their loved ones, and Castle Hill Primary is pleased to be playing its part by actively supporting this community fundraising day.”

Pupils are encouraged to dress in yellow, green and blue, which are the charity’s colours.

For more information about signing up, go to arkday.co.uk/schools.