SCHOOLS in Worcestershire are being encouraged to sign up for the NSPCC’s Number Day 2008.

Backed by TV personality and ex Countdown star Carol Vorderman, Number Day is a maths-based initiative to raise £200,000 to help develop the charity’s helplines, including the ChildLine telephone counselling service.

It is sponsored by Ready Brek and takes place on Thursday, December 4, but schools can register now for their Number Day pack, which is filled with curriculum- based maths fund-raising activities.

Karen Robinson, NSPCC schools fund-raising manager in the Midlands, said: “Number Day is a great opportunity for pupils to have fun learning maths while helping to raise money for the NSPCC.

“Packs feature a wealth of games and activities, all devised by professionals and tailored to meet the requirements of key stages one to four. The money pupils raise through sponsorship from family and friends will help the NSPCC make a real difference to children’s lives.”

Number Day is held every two years. Since 2004 15 schools in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have taken part and raised more than £4,000.

All of the money raised this year will benefit the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal, which aims to raise £50 million over the next three years to grow the NSPCC helplines, text and online counselling services.

Number Day packs are available to primary and secondary schools.

To register for a pack, teachers should go to the website nspcc.org.uk/number day.