TWENTY-THREE wonder women from a city school are in training for Hereford's first-ever Race for Life event in July.

The 'Belles of St Martin's' have put their names forward for the Cancer Research UK fund-raiser after friend and colleague Tamsin Camden cajoled them into entering.

Tamsin, a teacher at St Martin's Primary School, spread the word amongst female staff for the event on July 20 and interest soon 'snowballed'.

Now a group of 23 has formed including seven teachers, seven teaching assistants, nursery nurse, Jill Prothero, caretaker, Teresa Foster, the school secretary, Yvonne Neagus and five of the ladies' daughters as well as Tamsin's mum, Sue Bonson.

Teachers include Sharon Lewis, Helen Fox, Nicky Harris, Melissa Withnell, Kathy Weston and Sally Brain. Teaching assistant, Irene Lawry, explained that members of staff were very keen and after one or two signed up, more and more asked if they could get involved.

"We just thought it was a good thing to do because it has touched everybody's life - that is why everybody was so keen," explained Mrs Lawry.

Now the girls are enjoying having an excuse to get out and about and get fit - some are pounding the pavements while others spent time walking to build stamina. Some of the ladies' daughters are also interested in taking part. The youngest - Rachelle Prothero and Kayleigh Herriott - being just 11 years old.

Also donning their running shoes will be teaching assistants, Sue Young, Maggie Bridges, Denise Herriott, Caroline Latham, Mandy Hutchison and her 14-year-old daughter Kayleigh as well as Sue Hogan and daughter, Kelly (12).

Choosing a name for their team provided to be 'a fluke' when the girls put all their suggestions in a hat - although 'The Belles of St Martin's' proved to be a hot favourite - and that was the name picked out.

Mrs Lawry explained: "I went on the web site and it was really nice to read messages - you get a really nice feeling - it's not just fit women, it's all sorts."

Starting from humble beginnings, after a decade the Race for Life attracted 250,000 women at 100 races countrywide who raised more than £14,000,000 last year.

Organisers at Cancer Research UK hope to top that total this year by involving 300,000 women to raise £17,000,000. Well over 250 have already signed up for the Hereford event.

Race for Life, backed by The Hereford Times, will come to the Racecourse on July 20. For further information log on to www.raceforlife.org or call the hotline on 08705 134 314.