THE Monnow Bridge in Monmouth was transformed into a sea of seasonal red yesterday, as hundreds of people turned into Santa Claus for the day - all for a good cause.

Hundreds of people donned red coats and false white beards, to help beat the early December chill as they took part in the eighth annual Monmouth Santa Fun Run.

And there were a fair few entrants parading as reindeers, elves and Christmas trees among the Santas as the 2.1km (1.3 miles) run took place.

The event is organised by the Spirit of Monmouth Running Club and is open to individuals, be they adults or children, and teams of up to five members.

Water and mince pies were available at the finish, and medals and trophies were handed out to the first male and female Santas across the finishing line.

The first male and female junior Santas were similarly rewarded, as was the first team to finish, and the best dressed Santa.

The real winner this year, however, is Meeting The Needs, a charity that is run for the educational benefit of children with special needs in the Monmouth area, who attend the special needs class at the town’s Overmonnow primary school.

Another key focus of the charity is to help enhance the children’s quality of life.

It is hoped that a four-figure sum will have been raised from yesterday’s Santa Fun Run to boost the charity’s aims.

Charities that have benefited previously from the fundraising efforts of Monmouth Santa Fun Run participants include the South Wales-based children’s cancer charity Latch.