HUNDREDS of Santas and cheeky elves dashed through the snow for a Dorothy House fundraiser around Winsley on Sunday.

It was a year of firsts at this year’s annual Santa and Elf Run, as children were allowed to join in the 2.5km or 5km festive fun, which started and finished at the hospice’s grounds in the village.

Just shy of 300 people turned up for the fun run, an extra 90 people from last year’s event and it is hoped the charity will beat last year’s fundraising total of £16,000 too.

Bethan Good, from Trowbridge, said: “I took part with my sister, Rebecca Squire, in memory of our wonderful Mum, Margaret Smith who was cared for by the hospice in September 2015.

“Other runners in our team were, my daughter, Alys Good, four, Emma Girling and Ted Mathews, Emma’s son, also four, as well as Archie the dog in his Santa outfit.

“We all thought the Santa and Elf Run was a great day out and an excellent chance to raise money for a wonderfully caring hospice while also having some fun in the stunning Winsley countryside.”

Event fundraiser Emily Knight said the seventh edition of the event was the biggest and best one so far.

“It was wonderful to see hundreds of Santas and elves pounding along the lanes of Winsley to raise money for their local Hospice - everyone had so much fun,” she said.

“Having kids and even dogs along too made the event even more special. Dozens of people came out to cheer on their families and they threw fake snow to make it even more jolly. If you were 12 and above, entrants were given a Santa suit and five to 11-year-olds were given a cheeky elf costume.

“There was a bit of sunshine, rain, cloud and even a rainbow which was wonderful. It looks like we will beat last year’s total as more people took part so hopefully we can raise a really good amount.

“Each year it gets bigger and better. The shorter 2.5km run was a really good addition. There was a wonderful atmosphere and it was brilliant to see everyone go home happy.”