HUNDREDS of Father Christmases donned their running shoes to raise thousands of pounds for Colchester Hospitals Charity.

More than 600 took part in the Santa Run - a 3km or 5km course around Colchester's Castle Park - today.

It is hoped £20,000 will be raised and the money will go towards the £4.5 million Cancer Centre Campaign.

Teams from Essex University, Colchester Academy, Clacton Bootcamp amongst many others took part.

Charity fundraising manager Caroline Bates said: “To see so many people come out and support us was fantastic.

“It made me very happy to see all the fundraisers with their red outfits on going around the park.

“In a few weeks we will be able to total all the sponsorship and some people raise hundreds of pounds themselves.”

This was the fifth edition of the event.

PICTURES IN TODAY'S GAZETTE