Santas on the run for charity

Hundreds of people dressed in Santa suits jogged around a Black Country park for a festive fundraiser.

They were taking part in the event yesterday to raise money for the Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.

After a warm up with a fitness instructor they set off on the 5km route around the town's Mary Stevens Park.

Hospice fundraiser, Janet Jones, said this was the second year the Santa jog had been held and the number of entrants had more than doubled. She said: "It's a surreal sight when you see lots of Santas all running around the park. It's a new and fun thing for the borough. Last year's event raised £6,400 and I know times are hard but we hope to make £8,000 this time."

Among those taking part was the Harper family from Lancaster Road, Brierley Hill. Parents Linda and Adam, aged 34 and 37 respectively and children Maisie,6, and three-year-old Charlie were joined by pet pooch Henry for the jog.

Mrs Harper, a teaching at Windsor High School in Halesowen, said: "I think it is a fantastic opportunity for us as a family to be able to raise money for a worthwhile cause."

Dudley's deputy council leader and hospice director, Les Jones, was marshalling at the event and said: "The hospice receives such huge support because everybody knows somebody who has needed its services."