HUNDREDS of Father Christmases were recently spotted dashing through Arrow Valley Park.

The festively dressed runners delivered an early Christmas present to Primrose Hospice as they managed to raise more than £5,500 for its services during the Santa Fun Run.

Around 300 people attended the annual event, now in its second year, to take part in either the 10k, 5k or 1k routes.

Sarah Harris, community fundraiser at Primrose Hospice, said: “It was an incredible spectacle to see so many Father Christmases.

“Everyone really got into the spirit of the event and it was great to see young and old dressed up – as well as some of our four-legged friends too.

“We were all in the festive spirit and you can see how happy people were to complete their route, whether they ran, walked or jogged their way around.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part and made the event such a success.

“They’ve helped to ensure that we can deliver care and support to people with life-limiting conditions and their families living in north east Worcestershire.”

Worcester News:

The Santas were given a fun warm up session by fitness instructor Emma Land before the races got under way.

Around 50 children took part in the 1k route while some even braved the 5k and 10k routes.

Primrose’s Santa Fun Run was sponsored by Central England Co-operative Funeralcare, which provided medals, mince pies and bottled water, as well as Redditch STARS.

The hospice also thanked Dave Morgan for providing the stage and Mark Williams for stepping into the official Father Christmas suit to start the race.

The crowds of Father Christmases were entertained by solo singer Meg Scane, the Rock Choir and children from Bromsgrove Rock School.

All money raised will go towards the £1.75million Primrose Hospice needs to raise annually to keep its services free for people with life-limiting conditions, their families and bereaved adults and children.

This Christmas, Primrose Hospice is holding its pop-up Christmas Wrapping stall at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Redditch, until Christmas Eve and Carols by Candlelight at the hospice on Thursday, December 19 from 6pm.