MORE than 350 people, many of them from West Wiltshire, took part in the 9th annual Dorothy House Santa & Elf Run on December 8.

Around 360 runners completed the 2.5k or 5k fun runs to raise funds for the Winsley-based local hospice.

The event was open to all ages and was held at Bath Spa University for the second year in succession.

Last year the fun runs raised over £11,000 and the charity is hoping to exceed this sum in 2019.

Emily Knight, Event Fundraiser at Dorothy House Hospice Care said: “Our thanks to Cheryl Sprinkler and Tony DiMonté from Mojo Moves for doing a fabulous warm up, to Bath Spa University and all the runners and volunteers for their support.

“We were over the moon with how many people took part and they all looked fantastic in their Christmas outfits.It was a treat to see so many smiley, happy faces joining us to mark the start of the festive season.”

The adults came dressed as Santas and the children as Christmas Elves. The race was open to the whole family and included rural footpaths, a castle, a lake, a garden temple and an exciting Snow Station.

Families, friends and supporters came to cheer the runners on and sprinkle biodegradable snow on them as they passed by so it was an event for everyone to enjoy.

Anyone who took part can return their sponsorship or donation in lieu to help support patient care at Dorothy House Hospice Care until February 8.

Contact Emily.Knight@dorothyhouse-hospice.org.uk for more details.