Ashby Netball Club's record marathon attempt has already reached its £30,000 target - a month ahead of the challenge.

The club players are now looking to raise £40,000 in aid of the Kids Village Charity - as they aim to make the longest-ever continuous netball match.

Next month, from February 20-23 the club's players are attempting an epic netball marathon of 75 hours straight - and have been organising several fundraising events in the lead-up.

That means involving members of the public to get involved and be a part of something special at the event being held at Ivanhoe School in North Street. In all, 200 people are needed to keep the record attempt going.

Following the club's successful bid to get into the record books 18 months ago, they are planning an even more testing target this time.

Two years ago, the club broke a Guinness World Record for the most netball goals scored in 24 hours, 28,745 - and raised £23,000 for the Kids Village.

Ashby Netball Club's Carla Garey said: "In all, so far, we've raised more than £50,000.

"That's before the event has even started, so now we're upping the target to £40,000 for this one.

"We were aiming for over £30,000 so that's been passed.

"But we also have a fundraising ball which we hope will put a few more thousand in.

"And there's a bingo night on Friday, which will boost it again.

"Every day, we're getting £300-200 in donations which has been incredible.

"We'd thought most of the money would have come in during February, but the response has been amazing."

The fact that so much money has already been raised means that people who want to take part no longer have to have ready-made sponsorships.

But the club want to carefully monitor who takes part over the 75-hour stint.

Carla said: "You can't just rock up and ask to play, you have to register with us first.

"But we still need 200 people to make sure the marathon keeps going - and it can be anyone.

"So far we have corporate sponsors, police, paramedics and people from other sports. It's a wide range.

"A lot of the players will have to do five or six hours, some will only do one, but it will be more difficult than last time.

"But, as well as that, we also want to try and set some official Guinness World Records.

"That will include the most goals scored and three minutes by a team, and also in 60 minutes.

"So there'll be multiple attempts at both records over the weekend. That's going to make it really interesting."