Rugby fans are currently glued to the television on the weekend watching the Six Nations.

And young players at a Towns' club have set their sights on a challenge of their own by raising money for a special needs school.

Members of Medway RFC are taking part in a sponsored 24-hour virtual bike ride cycling 2,370 miles to all six stadiums hosting matches in the tournament.

Kicking off in Rome they will pedal their way to Paris, onto Twickenham, Cardiff, Dublin and Edinburgh and head back to the home of English rugby "Twickers".

The lads in Medway RFC's youth section are raising money for a multi-sensory classroom at Danecourt School in Gillingham.

They have been spurred on by pupil, Joe, who is the brother of one of the under 17s' players.

One of the organisers, Emma Riches, said: "Joe is a familiar face at the club, touching the hearts and bringing a smile to the faces of everyone he meets."

Joe's mum Clare Barnes and youth chairman Claire Bond have also been overseeing the mammoth challenge.

About 50 lads will be setting off on their virtual journey on exercise bikes at 5am on Saturday, March 26 at the clubhouse in Priestfields, Rochester.

Staff at the school in Hotel Road have launched a campaign to raise £150,000 for an immersive classroom – an interactive place where pupils can engage with a virtual world through touch, sight, smell and sound.

Youngsters will be transformed into a totally different environment, thanks to projected images on the walls, controllable lights, sounds, temperature, vibrations and even smells.

Head teacher Cathryn Falconer said: "We really appreciate the support given by the rugby club.

"The classroom will have a tremendous impact on the children and we appreciate anything that makes this become a reality."

"Once inside the room, the children can virtually explore parts of the world and experiences many of them wouldn't normally encounter, and most importantly for the children who come to our school, these experiences can be in an environment where they feel safe.

"They can go swimming with dolphins – the classroom becomes a moving underwater world with dolphins and other sea creatures and under water sounds, and when they touch the walls, their fingers create ripples."

The school has been holding its own fundraising events, including a sponsored run and Christmas jumper day.

A teacher is due to do a charity trek across Morocco at the end of this month to boost the fund.

The school caters for primary-aged children who have complex learning difficulties,autism,social, emotional and mental health issues.

To donate visit this website.