MORE people than ever joined in the annual Relay for Life which was held at the Dean Academy over the weekend.

More than 350 people, in 27 teams, turned out to support the relay which raises money for Cancer Research.

There was one notable absentee – Forest MP Mark Harper has opened every relay over the last 11 years but he was forced to miss it because of an emergency meeting called by the Prime Minister.

The event has already raised £48,000 and donations will continue to be taken for the next six weeks.

Forest relay chair Tess Tremblett said: “There is always tremendous support in the Forest and this year we have a record number of people taking part.

“People can continue to donate by visiting the Cancer Research website.”

Among those at the 24-hour relay was Danny Legge, a former pupil of Whitecross School in Lydney, who is now working on a PhD in cancer biology with Cancer Research.

He said: “I really enjoy being on the cutting edge of research with a team that will make a difference.”

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.