Mark and Sam take Comic Relief fun to school

Darlaston-born Mark Rhodes returned to Moorcroft Wood Primary School in Bilston, with his comic partner Sam Nixon where the pair held a special assembly.

The pair spoke to excited youngsters at the Bull Lane school yesterday about the charity's work.

They also gave the pupils ideas of what they could do to raise money for the good cause.

Mark, aged 29, said it was great being back at his old school.

"It was really weird coming back," he said. "It seems a lot smaller than it used to be.

"They're a great school because they have been doing some fundraising."

He added the pair told the youngsters about how money raised by Comic Relief is being used in Africa and in this country.

Barnsley-born Sam, 24, said: "Comic Relief is such an amazing charity. We have both grown up with it."

Headteacher Leigh Smith said the youngsters were thrilled with the special visit.

"We didn't tell the children about the visit," she said. "When the boys walked in the door the roof nearly came off.

"The children were thrilled and are now really keen on raising a lot of money to make Mark proud."

The TV pair were due to visit Sam's old primary school in Barnsley today. Sam and Mark made a name for themselves on TV talent contest Pop Idol in 2003.

They later landed had a number one hit in the UK singles charts and now present various shows on CBBC. The duo also have a slot on radio station BRMB.

Red Nose Day will be shown on BBC on March 18. The last show in 2009 helped raise £80 million for charity.