Jolly good turnout as Santas on run

Cries of "Ho Ho Ho" could be heard echoing through a Black Country park as more than 150 fundraisers donned red suits and beards to take part in a charity Santa Jog.

Despite the cold, supporters turned out in their droves to watch Santas of all ages run around the 5km route in Stourbridge's Mary Stevens Park.

Their efforts are expected to help raise more than £2,500 for Mary Stevens Hospice and the event proved so successful, organisers are already planning next year's. Mayor of Dudley Councillor Ray Burston made a grand entrance on a sleigh before putting on his running shoes to join in.

Among those taking part in the festive fundraiser were secretary Chris Clark, aged 55, of Sedgley, and her friend Ann Kelly, aged 62, from Kingswinford. The pals have been members of Dudley Ladies Running Club for three years and said they were proud to be taking part in the event.

Mrs Kelly said: "It is for a very good cause. Everybody knows someone who has been affected by cancer and I think the hospice helps a lot of people."

Two of the youngest participants were brothers Oliver Crees, aged seven, and Dominic Crees, aged five, from Halesowen. They were joined by their mother Anne Marie Crees, aged 37, who works in the fundraising department at the hospice.

She said: "They were very excited about dressing up as Santa and have been practising a lot for the run."

Attracting a lot of attention were, Ian Bowman, aged 29, a maintenance worker, and Alex Bennett, aged 15, a student at Castle High School, who turned up in giant inflatable santa and snowman costumes. The cousins, from Dudley said: "The hospice means a lot to us because they cared for our aunt when she was ill. We just want to raise as much money as we possibly can."