MORE than 400 children from a Cwmbran primary school have supported a national cancer charity campaign by running laps of the school playing field.

Children aged from three to 11 at Nant Celyn Primary School have participated in the Race for Life for Cancer Research UK for the past three years, raising in excess of £10,000 in the process for the charity.

All years groups had taken part in running a number of laps around the school astroturf, with the number of laps run being determined by their year group number.

The event formed part of the school’s daily mile achievement, where all pupils runs a mile every school morning.

Some children attached personal messages and drawings to their t-shirts, displaying words of remembrance for loved ones affected by cancer.

Parents were given the opportunity to purchase portraits of their children receiving a medal, where proceeds went back into the charity pot.

The school also received a donation of water bottles for each pupil from Breeze Restaurant and a variety fruit from Tesco.

Cllr David Yeowell, the executive member for education and lifelong learning, said: “With the addition of the daily mile, children are encouraged to stay fit and healthy throughout the academic year which I am confident will have a positive impact on their performance within the classroom.”

Jonathan Bussy, the head teacher at Nant Celyn Primary School, said: “Unfortunately the work of charities such as Cancer Research is evening more and more necessary, a point illustrated with the growing number of children running in memory of or in support of family members and friends.”