PUPILS and staff at Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School were visited by Welsh actor Mark Lewis Jones recently, known for roles in 'Stella' and 'Belonging' to tell pupils about his recent entry in the epic desert race, the Marathon Des Sables.

The race, a six-day, 156 mile (251 km) ultramarathon, is the subject of a three part S4C documentary and is regarded as the toughest foot race on earth.

The talk centred around the Supporting Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research Project the actor has been raising money for.

Head teacher Tim Williams said everyone was "extremely proud" to be able to present the actor with a cheque for £1,500 raised from a sponsored run involving pupils from Years 7 to 9.