HUNDREDS of people turned up in their Santa costumes for the Santa Scamper in Calne over the weekend to raise money for charity.

The annual Santa Scamper took place on Saturday with Calne runners wearing festive beards and hats to take part in the charity run around the town.

Luke Shipway, 25, organiser of the Santa Scamper, said: “This is the fourth race, we started back in 2012. I just had this crazy idea and it developed from there.

"This year we added an extra 100 spaces for people to enter and they filled up in just three weeks.

"We had 250 people run this year, starting at 11am on Saturday. We don’t keep times because we do this for fun and to raise money for charity.”

The money that is raised is made through the entry fees of the race, which also cover the cost of the Santa suits.

“The race went really well. We are donating all of the money raised to Barnardo’s and Hannah’s Trees charities. We are still totalling but so far we have counted between £500-£600, this is raised through the entry fees from the race,” added Mr Shipway.

As well as raising money from the people entering the race, the Santa Scamper received support from local businesses of Calne.

Mr Shipway said: “We had Sainsbury's and Autobar, who provide our vending machines at Calne Leisure Centre, provide biscuits and drinks for the after race party.

"Participants in the race were offered mine pies and mulled wine for when they finished.

"We also had Calne Lions provide music for the party. After the race we presented the medals and held the party for everyone to attend. Everyone stayed for about an hour, it was really fun and everyone seemed to enjoy it.”