THE sight of 170 Santas running around Hollingworth Lake gave a festive splash of colour to the beauty spot.

Arctic conditions awaited the participants, who were all raising sponsorship for Springhill Hospice on Sunday morning.

The fun run was launched by the mayor, Councillor Robin Parker, against a background of carols played by Wardle Anderson Band.

Little more than 13 minutes later, Stuart Carroll was first back, followed by several others hot on his tail, but some took a more leisurely pace.

Springhill Hospice community fund-raiser Dean Connaughton, who organised the event with the help of Pearl Benbow, said: "Everyone who took part really enjoyed the fun atmosphere.

"I would like to thank each and every person involved for helping to make it our most successful Father Christmas run."

More than £4,000 has already been pledged in sponsorship and the hospice is hoping the total amount raised will be around £8,000.