A TEAM of Suffolk teachers are swapping laps of the school field for the world's largest half marathon.Intense training is now well underway for eight teachers at Needham Market Middle School set to compete in the Great North Run.

A TEAM of Suffolk teachers are swapping laps of the school field for the world's largest half marathon.

Intense training is now well underway for eight teachers at Needham Market Middle School set to compete in the Great North Run.

The group is on course to raise more than £3,000 for prostate cancer research after Richard Miller, head of year eight, was diagnosed with the condition last year.

The 52-year-old said: "I've actually found the running makes me feel better.

"Not being a runner before I thought it would make me tired but it's quite the opposite.

"Being diagnosed was obviously very scary for myself and my family but it's strange because there are no symptoms.

"I feel like my old self but know there's something wrong.

"I've had 38 radiotherapy sessions and wanted to do something I was no good at to try and help others.

"The support from staff at the school has amazed me."

Richard's fellow runners are Andrew Bond, Kevin Cook, Essi d'Elmeida, Peter Ganter, Jane Johnson, Katherine Richardson, Alison Leech and Adrian Macey.

They will join more than 45,000 runners in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on September 26 for the 13.1 mile race.

Children at the school are also helping with fundraising events and Helen Anster, a former student teacher, and Richard's son Daniel are also running with the team.

John Rednall, Evening Star bowl's columnist and teacher at the school, is training with the group but was unable to enter because of bowling commitments.

He is busy competing in championships for the world pairs and world fours.

He said: "I would love to be able to do it and may get a chance to rearrange things.

"But the fact is we are all in it together as we are a very united staff and like to support each other.

"I've known Richard for 16 years and when he broke the news to us about his treatment I wanted to do everything I could to help."

Donations towards the school's fundraising for can be sent to Needham Market Middle School, School Street, Needham Market, Ipswich, IP6 8BB.