Across the county fundraisers are gearing up for an action-packed weekend of exercise - all in the name of Sport Relief, a spin-off of the annual Comic Relief.

Supermarket staff at Sainsbury's, in Kidlington, have already been getting sweaty for the charitable cause, money from which helps disadvantaged children in the UK and in some of the world's poorest countries.

Staff have been taking part in aerobics marathons, swimming sessions and a five-a-side tournament.

At the weekend, there is an action-packed schedule of entertainments at the store, with face painting, the chance to buy a signed Oxford United football shirt and lots of opportunities to donate cash to Sport Relief.

More than 300 staff are aiming to raise between £3,000 and £5,000 by tackling rowing, judo and interactive computer game challenges.

Manager Vince Brimble said: "Sport Relief is always good fun and there will be a great atmosphere in the store."

Preparations for other official Sport Relief events are also taking shape.

British Military Fitness is giving people in Oxford the chance to tackle the Sport Relief Mile under the guidance of ex-army instructors.

BMF is inviting anyone to join its fitness class in South Park on Saturday morning at 10am. Joe Coyle, the manager of the Witney branch of Sainsbury's, is taking fundraising to a very painful extreme - he is due to be waxed from head to foot at the store at midday.

BICESTER: Run one, three or six-miles on Sunday at the Wyevale Garden Centre, in Bicester Avenue, at 10.30am CARTERTON: Take part in a fancy dress fun run on Saturday at 10am from the leisure centre CHIPPING NORTON: Walk, run, row or swim a mile at the leisure centre Saturday or Sunday ABINGDON: Tackle the Sport Relief Mile at Tilsley Park on Sunday at 10am WITNEY: Walk, run, row or swim a mile Saturday or Sunday at Windrush Leisure Centre EYNSHAM: 'Climb-a-mile' on an exercise bike, treadmill or stepping machine or run, walk or row a mile at Bartholomew Sports Centre.