MORE than 650 pupils from Glan Usk Primary School have taken part in a Race for Life in memory of a former teacher who died last year.

Paula Hoddinott - who was the reception teacher at the school - died from cancer last year, with her fellow staff deciding to raise money for Cancer Research UK and St David’s Hospice in her memory.

Children and staff dressed up as superheroes for the run yesterday, and raised around £1,000.

Year 2 teacher Jodi Collins said it was a fitting tribute as Mrs Hoddinott had loved running herself.

She added: “She was just a fantastic person who absolutely loved her job and was very outgoing. She ran the Newport Half Marathon and also ran the London Marathon. She loved her exercise so we thought this would be great to remember her.”

The school will be fundraising for several days following the event.

A memorial bench for Mrs Hoddinott has also also installed in the school grounds, along with a tree and mosaic, by head teacher Jeffrey Beecher.

A JustGiving page is still open for donations, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/glan-usk