Santas sprint round Wolverhampton's West Park for charity run

Fundraisers donned Father Christmas suits and white beards to help raise money for the Beacon Centre and RNIB.

Even pets joined in the festive fun at West Park including a Shih Tzu named Oscar who was dressed in an elf costume.

The Santas could choose between a one mile and a 5km route which was the equivalent of one and three loops of the park respectively.

After a warm-up in front of the bandstand, the run was officially started by Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Barry Findlay who thanked everyone for turning out to support the charities. "You're all superheroes," he told the fundraisers.

Among those taking part was administrator Sue Crinnian, aged 52, from Wednesbury. The Halesowen Running Club member said: "It's a great way to come together to raise some money for a good cause."

IT worker Mike Turner, aged 40, and Nicola Piggott, 45, both from Lower Gornal, had both taken part in a similar fundraiser before.

"We did a Santa run in Newtown and it was a lot of fun. It makes you feel Christmasy and you feel good to be supporting a charity," said Nicola.

Also donning running shoes was Councillor Paul Sweet, cabinet member for health and well-being.

"It's a fantastic cause and a great way for people to get some fresh air and exercise while raising money for a great organisation," he said.

Helping to ensure the event ran smoothly were volunteers from West Park's Park Run and Junior Park Run.

Helper Martha Cummings, 50, said: "It's a lot of fun and people really enjoy themselves."

For Mandy Udall, 47, of Wordsley, who was running with husband Phil, 50, the charity is close to her heart.

"My mother Ann Smith has a vision impairment so we wanted to support the charity," explained Mrs Udall.

Friends nursery nurse Claire Murray, 38, customer service worker Aimee Hall, 29 and Staffordshire police officer Vicky Bromley, 35, all from Penkridge and Brewood, said they were taking part 'to get into the Christmas spirit',

It was the second run for Wednesfield sisters Janet Higgs and Linda Foster, both aged 62.

"We did the Santa run at Walsall Arboretum and it was a really good laugh so we thought 'why not do it again'," said Mrs Higgs.

Chief executive of Sedgley-based Beacon Centre, Arwyn Jones, said it was the first time the charity had organised a Santa run.

"We have been wanting to do something with the RNIB and this seemed a good opportunity to do something really fun for Christmas at the same time as raising money.

"Hopefully everybody had had a lot of fun and enjoyed taking part."

The charity hopes to raise in excess of £1,000 from the event.