MORE than 500 Newport pupils and teachers took part in a national School Race for Life earlier today to raise funds for Cancer Research Wales.

The whole of Pillgwenlly Primary School took part in the race around the perimeter of the school site in aid of Cancer Research UK's life-saving work.

Pupils, teachers and staff got involved in walking, jogging or running in the race which kicked off at 1.30pm with the last runner finishing the route at 2.15pm.

The event raised £300 from donations given by members of the community and from pupils making a contribution of £1 to join in.

Head teacher Kath Bevan said the event was a great success and they hope to take part in it again next year.

“It went really, really well,” she said.

“We had 540 runners in all with older children aged 10 and 11 running the 800 meter lap twice and our younger children running one lap.”

The youngest runner to take part was aged four and two children in wheelchairs also completed a circuit.

“This is the first time we have held an event like this involving the whole school,” the head added.

“Two staff members, Ceri Davies, and Lowri Burgess, organised the event and it has gone really well.”