SCHOOLS are being challenged to come up with the right numbers and get the kids little grey cells’ working out maths puzzles. The NSPCC is starting its annual count down to Number Day to raise �20,000

SCHOOLS are being challenged to come up with the right numbers and get the kids 'little grey cells' working out maths puzzles.

The NSPCC is starting its annual count down to 'Number Day' with sponsored maths contests when 46 schools across London are expected to take part to raise �20,000 for the society.

Funds are needed to protect vulnerable children and young people from abuse and to keep its national volunteer call-center at Spitalfields, in London's East End, functioning.

Number Day takes is Friday, December 4, or 04-12-09, with teachers being invited to register online at the NSPC website. The Appeal aims to raise �50 million over three years to grow the NSPCC helpline, text and online counselling services.

Games include Who Wants To Be A 'Mathionaire'?, based on the 'Millionaire' TV game show, in four editions for Key Stages 1, 2 3 and 4.

But kids from the East End are up for the challenge after Tower Hamlets own annual primary schools' Maths Challenge last week, won by Stepney's Halley Primary who shone out as the brightest buttons holding off stiff competition from 16 other schools.