SANTAS swarmed to a park as thousands of pounds were raised as part of an annual charity fun run.

Farleigh Hospice held its Santa Fun Run at Chelmsford’s Central Park.

The charity provides free care to people affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement at its hospice in Chelmsford and in patients’ homes across mid Essex.

The Santa Fun Run is an important fundraiser for Farleigh Hospice.

Organisers were delighted the rain stayed away and 400 supporters of all ages signed up to take part.

The fun run was started by BBC Essex radio presenter Dave Monk, who cheered on the Santas as they walked, jogged, ran or propelled themselves around the family-friendly 5K course.

Farleigh spokesman Selina Mayhew said: “It was amazing to see so many Santas in the park. Thank you to everyone who put on their festive fancy dress and made the Santa Fun Run such a fantastic event, getting us all in the Christmas spirit.

“Farleigh Hospice is a charity and we rely on support from the local community to carry on providing care to our patients and their families. We appreciate that it is a difficult time right now and we are very grateful to everyone who has kindly sponsored our Santas.

"We hope to have raised about £15,000.”

For information on Farleigh Hospice and the charity’s other festive activities, including the return of its Christmas tree recycling service, visit farleighhospice.org/events.