Ref. 30955-35STAFF kicked and sparred their way to raise hundreds of pounds for a cancer charity.

Members of Nationwide's Martial Arts Club, including Alice Rees and John Codling (pictured), held a three-hour continuous spring session yesterday, with all ten members sparring against each other.

Everyone carried out more than 25 two-minute rounds.

There were staff members from all departments taking part, and instructor John Codling, from the technology development department, said all had their own personal reasons for participating in the event. Afterwards Mr Codling said: "It was great, but hard work."

The team raised £1,800 through sponsorship, and is hoping to reach the £2,000 mark, which will go to Cancer Research.