TEACHERS and pupils from Cherhill C of E Primary School pulled on their trainers on Friday (May 26) to take part in the Race for Life.

The nationwide challenge, which raises money for Cancer Research UK, is popular with schools throughout the region as it can count towards Ofsted Citizenship objectives.

The Cherhill school, in Middle Lane, challenged boys and girls to walk, jog or run a 5k course around the grounds, where they were cheered on by parents and spectators.

They were joined on the run by breast cancer survivor Amanda Goodship-Warner, a teaching assistant at the school, who recently took part in a Race For Life Pretty Muddy run herself, and set up the school's internet fundraising page.

"Cancer is happening now, which is why we're fundraising for Cancer Research UK," she said. "Donations will help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured."

More than £200 has been raised online alone so far, with further donations from families and friends due to be collected after the half term break.

"The 5k course is just over three miles so it is an achievable distance for all ages and abilities," SW Cancer Research fundraiser Jenny Makin said. "One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before."

Over the past 20 years, more than eight million women have taken part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, raising more than £547 million to fund the charity’s life-saving work. Cancer survival rates have doubled in the past 40 years and a spokesperson for Cancer Research UK said community events are key to future fundraising.