HUNDREDS of costume clad Santas braved the snow and cold weather for a charity fun run.

More than 600 participants ran the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices Santa Fun, around a five or three kilometre route around Colchester Castle Park to raise money for the cancer centre campaign yesterday.

Every participant received a medal, water, chocolate and a banana after the 10am start.

Organiser Caroline Bates said: “The Santa Run itself was fantastic, we couldn’t have asked for more Christmas themed weather.

“A huge thank you for the Santas who braved the snow to participate and a huge congratulations to all the runners.

“We asked out volunteers to raise £25 and teams of ten or more to raise £250, and what a fantastic cause this is.

“All the money raised will go to the cancer centre campaign, and will benefit people being treated for cancer at Colchester General Hospital.”

Charity fundraiser Victoria Matthews added:“It’s been fantastic to see red jackets, white beards and most importantly smiles on faces at our Santa Run in Colchester. “A big thank you to everyone who took part.

“We’re still counting the hundreds of pounds raised, but all of it will go towards the vital care and support Each provides for children and young people with life-threatening conditions and their families."