A WHEELBARROW race has proved an inventive way of raising cash for the Kemp Hospice appeal.

Students from Kidderminster College careered along pushing specially decorated wheelbarrows on Friday and are putting sponsorship money towards the campaign to raise £2.2 million for a new hospice, due to open in 2004.

The exercise was part of a team-building day for the 19-strong group, aged between 16 and 18, and formed a final part of their vocational courses which include care and administration.

Friends and family agreed to sponsor the race entries and Diana Willetts, key skills co-ordinator, suggested they donate the money - about £130 - to the appeal.

"I've been involved with fund-raising since before the public launch and it's a cause close to my heart," she said.

"It's in Kidderminster and it's medical."

Mrs Willetts added: "The wheelbarrows looked pretty good. It was a team building challenge to get students working with others and improve their planning."