AN INAUGURAL 24-hour relay held in Pontypool has smashed its target to become one of the most successful first-time events in the history of Cancer Research UK.

The Pontypool Relay for Life saw participants walk through the night in teams of up to 15 at Pontypool Park.

This week it was revealed a grand total of £61,086 was raised - to the amazement of the organisers and the charity alike.

"The Pontypool relay is the most successful first year relay in the UK, smashing the target of £20,000,” said Pontypool relay committee chairman Colin Guest.

“We thought we would struggle to meet the target."

On Saturday evening, members of the committee announced the incredible total at Pontypool United Rugby Club.

It had been a closely guarded secret beforehand.

Paul Titley – regional manager at Cancer Research UK said: “The Relay For Life Pontypool 2016 was the most successful first year Relay For Life event ever in the UK.”

“Raising over £60,000 is an amazing achievement - to do so in the first year is incredible, particularly considering there are over 40 events taking place this year in the UK.”

More than 300 people took part in the event, which started at 12pm on Saturday April 30 and finished at 12pm on Sunday May 1, many of whom had been directly affected by cancer.

One of the aims of the event was to bring all aspects of the community together, including cancer survivors and children.

“Relay For Life has helped bring communities of Pontypool and further afield together," Mr Guest added. "It was good to create a good community atmosphere and make it an event for everyone."

Forty-five cancer survivors and their caregivers took part in the first lap of honour of the relay, before all the participants lit candles as the sun set that evening.

“A heart shape was created on the rugby ground and the on the steps of the standing area,” added the chairman.

“The word ‘hope’ was spelt out in both English and Welsh. The candles continued to burn through the night.”

Following the success of the first event, plans have already started for the second Relay for Life to be held in Pontypool Park, on July 15, 2017.

Mr Guest said: “Registration will open in early November and next year we plan to make Cancer Research UK Pontypool Relay for Life bigger and better.”