A GROUP of Winchester teachers will prove they’re top of the class when they take part in the ABP Southampton Half Marathon.

On April 26 18 staff members from The Westgate School will be running both the 13.1 mile and the 10k races to raise money for Southampton General Hospital.

The team, which includes head teacher Paul Nicholson, is hoping to raise £2,000 for the teenage cancer ward.

Rob Wylie, head of PE, said: “It’s a cause that’s incredibly close to our hearts at The Westgate as some of our pupils have unfortunately needed the services of the teenage cancer ward.

“It’s been wonderful to see lots of the staff come together as a team, including some who have minimal running experience so far.

"Everyone’s really pulling together and I think we’re going to have a great day out. I’m looking forward to taking on the half marathon and I hope to complete it in one hour, 45 minutes.”

Nick Ridehalgh, director at ABP Southampton, which is supporting the event, said: “This group of teachers embodies the spirit of the ABP Southampton Half Marathon.

"The event is all about local people coming together to achieve great things and I have no doubt they will do just that.”

Race director Chris Rees said: “This event is all about making running accessible for everyone and getting as many people as possible to enjoy themselves on the day, so I’m really glad to see a team with such a range of abilities coming together to raise money for a cause that means so much to them.”

To donate or find out more about their cause visit justgiving.com/westgaterunners.