WORKERS building a new police centre in Teignmouth have raised more than £1,000 for a sixth former receiving last-hope treatment in America for a rare form of cancer.

Jasmine Flay, 17, who lives in Bishopsteignton and attends Teignmouth Community School, is flying to and from America for pioneering treatment on a tumour in her windpipe.

Although the hospital is providing its service free of charge, the family still has to fund the flights and general living expenses in the States.

Generous readers and organisations have donated to her fund, and mum Angie said the treatment was making a huge difference.

The pair were due to fly out to the USA again today, and Angie added: 'Everybody has been so generous, and we can't thank them enough.

'The tumour is definitely shrinking and Jasmine is a different person – she has put on weight, there is more colour in her face and she has a lot more energy. The support of the people of the Teignbridge area means so much – they have been fantastic.'

When builders from Kier Western constructing the police facility in the grounds of the school, heard about Jasmine, they pledged to help.

'Our target was £1,000, but everybody, including the police, suppliers, local businesses and sub-contractors and the site team, have been very supportive, and we are delighted to have raised £1,320,' said Matt Richardson, a site manager.

'We raised the money by holding a site raffle for prizes such as a golf day for four, tickets for Plymouth Argyle, and a stadium tour of Manchester United.'

Teignmouth area police boss Insp Chris Shaw said everybody connected with the project was delighted by the initiative of the Kier Western staff, and they wished Jasmine all the best for the future.

Manda Stone, senior administrator at the school, praised the 'wonderful achievement' by the firm, and added: 'Jasmine has been back in school since her initial visit to the States, and is doing brilliantly.

'She is studying for a qualification in travel and tourism, which we could not have imagined before the treatment started.'