CLASSROOM assistant Jackie Cuthbertson was put through her paces when she took part in Minehead's Beacon to Beach fun run earlier this year.

But her efforts raised a total of £140 to help youngsters in her care.

Jackie's fundraising has provided new equipment for the sensory room at Minehead First School where she works alongside teacher Janet Daley teaching and caring for pupils with special educational needs.

And parent Cindy McLay praised Jackie's achievements and said she had done "fantastically well."

"My son Malachy is autistic and is a pupil at the school," said Cindy.

"He has benefited enormously from both the specialist teaching he has received and the sensory room.

"The sensory room provides a wonderful experience for children like Malachy but it constantly needs new equipment and funding for its upkeep.

"It is dedicated people like Mrs Cuthbertson that enable Malachy to have the opportunity to develop and experience life to the full .

"She and all the special needs staff at the school need a massive pat on the back for all the tireless and wonderful work they do."

Classroom assistant and fun runner Jackie Cuthbertson is pictured (left) in the sensory room with teacher Janet Daley and pupils Malachy McLay (left) and Tommy Cable. Photo: Steve Guscott