THERE were Santas galore in Holsworthy on Friday, as people gathered to take part in the town’s first ever Santa Run, in aid of Children’s Hospice South West.

All evening a large number of adults and children, even dogs had appeared in Santa Claus costumes to participate.

More than 130 runners were invited to assemble in front of the stage for a lively warm-up led by Bude Zumba instructor Lisa Wood assisted by 11-year-old Ashlee Werner, before they set off on the two kilometre course to Stanhope Park and back.

It didn’t matter who finished first but prizes were awarded for the best-dressed family, adult and child.

Lisa said: “It was absolutely brilliant and the first time I’ve ever done an event like it!”

As Friday also saw Holsworthy’s Christmas lights switch-on and late night shopping event, Lisa added: “It was a lovely atmosphere. All of Holsworthy came out to support it.

“I did a proper high energy warm-up and I got all of Holsworthy ‘whooping’ along, it was really buzzing!”

Lisa’s helper Ashlee did a children’s Zumba routine, and was also on hand to hand out the medals after.

Jayne Jarrett, events fundraiser at the hospice said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported our first ever Santa Run in the town, including councillor and town mayor Jon Hutchings who invited us to take part.

“To have 130 runners was absolutely fantastic and the help we have had in staging the event, from marshalling to gifts for the runners has been amazing. We hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did and we look forward to seeing you again next year!”