Helen Utridge beat stiff competition to clinch victory in the Race for Life.

The teacher at the Downs School, in Colwall, was among 5,000 women who took to the streets of Worces-ter on Sunday to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

The 32-year-old said: "I'm really pleased, I still haven't come down to earth yet."

Ms Utridge said this was the third time she had run the race, from Worcester Racecourse to the Guildhall.

"It's good fun and such a good atmosphere, so many women running it for a good cause is amazing," she said.

The Malvern Gazette's own Pat Grizzell donned her running shoes, raising £70.

"It was great, I really enjoyed it" she said. "The weather was just right for running and lots of people took part.

"I think it's very important to support the cause, as you never know when it could affect you."

A team of 30 teachers, pupils and parents from St James's School, in West Malvern, also took part in the action.

Teacher Marion Marsay said: "We all had a brilliant time.

"It was the fifth time for some of us. Last time, we raised £900 but we hope to beat that this year."

Malvern's Charlie's Angels rounders team and teams from Waitrose, Malvern and Divine Hairdressing in Barnards Green, also took part.

Organiser Clare Hartley said the race had already raised more than £80,000 through internet pledges.

"It was a fantastic day, very emotional, there was a real buzz," she said.

"It's a really special day, because we completely shut down the city centre and to see thousands of women running through the streets is amazing."

She said she hoped money raised would smash last year's £260,000 figure.