POOL players will be going on a 24 hour long potathon in order to raise thousands and send a group with learning disabilities on what could be the trip of a lifetime.

POOL players will be going on a 24 hour long potathon in order to raise thousands and send a group with learning disabilities on what could be the trip of a lifetime.

Two teams will be burning the midnight oil in an attempt to meet the �8,000 needed to send up to 120 people, most of whom will come from the Great Yarmouth Gateway Club, to the Blackpool illuminations.

The charity events will be going ahead from 9pm on May 28 at Freethorpe Village Hall and the Queen's Head Pub, Burgh Castle from midnight the next day, with a raffle and possible auction planned to follow.

And included in the goodies up for grabs to help pay for the trip to the 10km long, one million bulb display will be a shirt framed and signed by all the members of the mid 90s Norwich City Football Club team.

A committee member of the club that gives over 16s with learning difficulties the chance to meet every Friday and a pool player of 15 years, Ray Humphries has combined his two passions before.

He raised a similar amount with a pool marathon for a club bus three years ago and is confident the overnight trip on November 3, which would include pupils from the John Grant School, will go ahead.

He said: “I just can't wait to see the looks on their faces if we manage to get the money - many don't get the chance to go on holidays.”

Denise Goodwin, secretary for Freethorpe Hall, has a brother with learning disabilities who goes to the Gateway Club and was keen to get involved with organising the effort. She said: “I think my brother would really enjoy the trip, and I'm sure he'll be excited about it - he likes keeping busy and going out. I know it'll be a real challenge but I think our team can do it.”

Those interested in sponsoring the pool marathon can call Ray on 01493 780697.