HUNDREDS of children and teaching staff took part in a charity race in memory of a teaching assistant who died of cancer.

More than 100 people from St Andrew’s Primary School donated and joined in the race on a nearby field to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The race was held in memory of teaching assistant Jackie Thomas, who died of bowel cancer aged 54 in March this year.

The school invited Jackie’s family including her husband, daughter and grandchildren to the event and more than £500 has been raised so far.

Year 2 teacher Sarah Hastings said the children enjoyed the day and it was great to remember Mrs Thomas.

She said: “The children had lots of fun. Jackie was not just a colleague she was a great friend. It was great to do this in her memory.”