A GROUP of friends will be taking part in a special bowlathon for Children in Need at the Megabowl, Millbrook, Southampton, on Friday.

Their marathon 12-hour session will begin at 11am when Alana Rawles and her pals will be sending the first bowl down the lane.

Two years ago the team competed for 24 hours and last year they raised almost £2,000 in a 12-hour bowlathon.

Customer services representative Alana, 21, said: "We're hoping to raise more than that this year. There are eight of us taking part and friends will join us after work. Most of us are league bowlers with plenty of experience but it's still tiring.''

Tomorrow's Echo will feature a full list of local events taking part in Children in Need.