DELIGHTED organisers of a huge Gwent charity race thanked the 1,800 competitors who donned their trainers.

Nic Clarke, the organiser of the all-female 5km Race for Life at Northfield's recreation ground in Cwmbran on Sunday, has high hopes that last year's fundraising target will be beaten.

The Race for Life, sponsored by Tesco, is in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Mr Clarke said: "We are delighted with the way the ladies have taken the charity and this event to their heart - it was an absolutely fantastic turnout and we want to thank everyone who took part for their efforts."

Last year the Torfaen Race for Life raised £51,500. The final figures aren't in yet, but the hope is that this total will be topped.

Over the course of the summer organisers expect to raise £200,000 from 162 events taking place across the UK, and have set an annual target of £23 million.

Statistically, one in three people in the UK will develop cancer, and one in nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

For more information on Cancer Research UK's Race for Life events log on to www.race forlife.org.