Hundreds of Santas, a handful of reindeers and a couple of Christmas puddings ran, jogged and walked through the Royal Parks to raise money for charity.

For the fifth year in a row Princess Alice Hospice organised a Santa fun run in Bushy Park and, despite almost freezing temperatures, the 5km event was a sell-out.

Runners included individuals as well as groups of friends and colleagues, including some from the National Physical Laboratory, who raised more than £1,000.

The oldest competitor was 82-year-old Stella Stephens, from Walton, and the youngest, seven-week-old Jessica, whose father Guy Whitby-Smith was the fastest runner to cross the line, in 20.05 minutes.

In Richmond Park, the Stroke Association held a 5km Santa run and a 2km Santa’s little helpers run on the same day, Sunday, December 2.

Due to the demand for places at the event Princess Alice Hospice is holding another run in Richmond Park on Sunday, December 9.

For information and to sign up phone 01372 461855 email events@pah.org.uk or visit pah.org.uk/santafunrun.