HUNDREDS of runners dressed as Santa Clause made a mad dash across Calne to raise money for local good causes.

More than 250 people, aged 2-74 took part in the the 4.5k run, which was organised by Calne Leisure Centre for the fourth year in a row and Luke Shipway said it has been the most successful Santa scamper yet.

He said: "It was brilliant. It was a bit wet but the weather did not dampen the spirits. This was our fourth year and every year we get more and more people, it is really good.

"This year we started pushing our selfie with elfie, which was accidentally discovered last year. It just so happened that last year there was someone dressed as an elf who was taking selfies around the course so we decided to push that and this year myself and Mike Stuart were dressed as elves going around the course."

This year, organisers decided to support local charity Hannah's Trees, which was set up in memory of 13-year-old Hannah Owen who died in 2009 from a brain tumour and Hope for Tomorrow.

"We have always supported Hannah's Trees because they are local people and they are part the swim club that use our centre," Mr Shipway said. "We also chose Hope for Tomorrow as we have recently become part of Wiltshire Council and that is Jane Scott's chosen charity. It has been very successful and we managed to raise £500 for each charity."