With the new school term approaching, Mencap is collaborating with Turner Broadcasting's popular cartoon character Ben 10 and calling for schools across the UK to make this year's Spellathon the best yet.

Now in its 16th year, Mencap's national sponsored spelling competition makes spelling fun for children whilst also raising money for people with a learning disability. The school that raises the most money by March 31 2010 will win a school visit from a popular Ben 10 character. All schools that take part will be entered in a free prize draw to win IT equipment from computer company, SCC. There are also great Ben 10 prizes and book vouchers to be won.

Spellathon is easy for schools to organise and it ties in with the national curriculum. The competition is aimed at pupils aged 4-13 years and is open to mainstream and special schools. Teachers receive a classroom pack, including information on learning disability and spelling lists from Oxford University Press for all ages and abilities, so the whole school can get involved.

Nick Hart, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Turner Broadcasting, says: "We have worked with Mencap in many ways over the years, so are very happy to help them promote Spellathon with one of Cartoon Network's top characters. Ben 10's popularity with young kids is a great way to engage them to learn about words, whilst helping to raise money for people with a learning disability."

Ellie Gray, director of fundraising at Mencap, comments: "We want to make this year's Spellathon the best yet. The competition is a great way of raising money for Mencap and to increase understanding of learning disability too."

Pupils are sponsored per word and schools can keep 25% of the money raised. Money raised through Spellathon helps Mencap to fight for equal rights and greater opportunities for people with a learning disability, which includes support with education and employment.

Schools can register for their free Spellathon pack by calling Mencap on 020 7696 6983 or visit: www.mencap.org.uk.