Pupils at Eastborough Primary School held a charity walk to raise money for a popular teacher having breast cancer surgery.

All 426 pupils took part in the sponsored walk across the school field, on Vinters Road, after telling teachers they wanted to do something in honour of Sarah O’Neil.

The 31-year-old deputy head teacher was diagnosed with cancer shortly before Christmas and has not returned to work, although she does pop in to see friends.

Children raised £5,080 and wore pink for the day. All money will be donated to Breast Cancer Care, a national charity that provides support to sufferers.

Sarah said: “I am so touched by the children. The idea came completely from them and it’s so lovely that they have done this.

“I absolutely cannot wait to go back, everybody moans about going to work but everyone at the school has been so wonderful to me.”

Carol Bacon, assistant head teacher said: “It is such an incredible amount of money. The children have done brilliantly.

“It shows how popular Sarah is and she is surprised and thrilled at the support.”

For more pictures see Friday's Kent Messenger