THE Christmas spirit swept through Ledbury as an army of nearly 250 Santas dashed through the streets to raise money for charity.

The annual Ledbury Santa Dash is being hailed as a huge success after attracting 243 entrants, smashing last year’s record of 72.

On Saturday morning, the Santas – and even a handful of reindeer and Christmas elves – moved through the town en mass in a show of support for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

A group of 18 particularly intrepid Santas even completed a four-mile jog with Ledbury Harriers Running Club before joining up with the main pack.

Almost £1,000 has already been raised for the hospice from sponsorship and collections on the day and organiser Sam Scholefield was thrilled with the response.

“Thank you to everyone who helped organise the event and especially to all those who took part and made such an effort with their costumes and with fund-raising,” he said.

“It certainly gave the town a bit of extra colour and cheer. The money raised is going to a fantastic cause and will hopefully help those who may be less fortune this Christmas.”

The festive fun attracted people of all ages, with the oldest Santa aged 68 and the youngest just two weeks old.

Mandie Fitzgerald, community fund-raising officer for the hospice, thanked everyone who took part. “The majority of the £2.5million needed to run Acorns comes from voluntary donations and fund-raising so events like this are vital to us being able to continue providing services to local life limited and life threatened children and their families,” she said.

“I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part and supported the event.”

Anyone who would still like to support the event can drop donations off at the physiotherapy department in Ledbury Community Health and Care Centre, in Market Street, or email ledburysanta dash@hotmail.com