SCHOOLGIRLS will be swapping textbooks for super powers as they take on an inflatable obstacle course in Colchester.

Five students from Thurstable School, all aged 14, along with their teachers will be unveiling their alter egos as Power Rangers at the event.

The team is hoping to raise £500 for The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation.

Amie Rosser, Amy Swallow, Matilda Hens, Eva Rose Guerra and Emily Pettican approached their teachers Emma Bowdidge and Sarah Driscoll to ask if they would accompany them to Kapow! in Colchester’s Lower Castle Park on September 2.

The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation, which is running Kapow!, is very close to their hearts as Tom was their teacher Emma’s brother.

The foundation was set up by Tom’s parents after he passed away in October 2013 after being diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma in his peritoneum and pelvis.

Tom began ideas about the charity himself before his death in order to help teenagers like himself who found themselves in the same situation.

Emma said they were hard at work honing their superpowers for the day.

She said: “I was delighted the girls all wanted to take part in the challenge as it is set to be a phenomenal day with inflatables and the obstacle course and I was honoured they asked me to complete it with them.

“I am very excited to be a Power Ranger and hope we can make as much money as possible for The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation.”

The Power Rangers have already raised £100 of their £500 target having held a superhero cupcake sale at their Tiptree school and have other fundraising ideas in the pipeline to make as much money as possible.

The girls and teachers are all very excited to be taking part and hope to make lots of money to help support teenagers and young people with cancer.

Kapow! will see superheroes tackle inflatable obstacles across a 5km course in Colchester’s Lower Castle Park on September 2.

Early bird tickets are currently selling for £20 for adults and £12.50 for children.

Nikki Bowdidge, CEO and founder of the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation, said: “It is so exciting to see a group of youngsters pulling together for charity and having fun while doing it.”

“We cannot wait to see them on the day and want to thank Amie, Matilda, Amy, Eva Rose and Emily for their amazing fundraising efforts.”

Those taking part can raise sponsorship money for the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation or just take part for fun.

To sponsor the girls click here.

To buy your tickets click here.