Santas were out in force over the weekend as Weldmar Hospicecare’s annual Santa Fun Run kicked off the festive season by raising more than £4,500.

Sunday’s charity run through Poundbury was the eighth year of an event that has helped raise more than £30,000 for the local charity to support patients and their families across Dorset.

Despite the inevitable rain, the crowd was in high spirits as they took part in a big warm up before they raced away from Dorchester Rugby Club and made their way around the two-mile course back to the club for festive refreshments.

Watch the video here:

Video: Weldmar Hospicecare

Fiona Hansford, business fundraiser at Weldmar Hospicecare, said: “The Santa Fun Run is always such a fantastic event. The sight of hundreds of running Santas is quite the sight to behold.

“It went really well. There were about 110 runners in the end, so it was a really good turnout. Obviously with the weather being how it was we were really pleased.

“Everyone got into the spirit of the season and had a great time, despite the weather. It was really heart-warming to see.

“When they got back, they were treated to a well-deserved mince pie and hot chocolate. They needed it too because it was very cold."

She added: “We would like to say thank you to Dorchester Rugby Club which hosted the event for free and to Asda in Weymouth which provided the refreshments and handed out satsumas along the course.

“This was the eighth year of this event, but we will be back next year to do it all over again.

“We couldn’t continue to provide hospice care without the support of the local community so thank you to everyone who got involved.”

Weldmar Hospicecare is a charity that provides end of life care for people living in Dorset who need specialist support.

All the care it provides is free and reliant on public donations as 75 per cent of its funds are raised thanks to the support of the local community at events such as this.

To learn more about the Santa Fun Run go to www.weld-hospice.org.uk/santarun

To donate to Weldmar Hospicecare, visit www.weld-hospice.org.uk