CHILDREN and teachers raised more than £1,600 for cancer at their annual Race for Life run last Wednesday.

Reading Blue Coat School has collected nearly £20,000 for Cancer Research UK over the last 14 years.

Pupils made the 5k journey from Sonning school's Boat House on the Thames, before finishing in the school grounds Prime minister Theresa May was unable to attend as planned, but did pass on a message of good luck to all of the children.

Modern foreign languages teacher Richard Starr took over the role of event organiser following the retirement last year of original organiser, Wendy Cherry, who is a cancer survivor.

Mr Starr said: "Thank you to all who supported us, and I am particularly grateful to the marshals, who ensured that all participants completed the course safely.”

The race was originally scheduled for June 21, but had to be postponed by one week due to the hot weather.