HUNDREDS turned out for the sixth annual Santa fun run through Monmouth today.

Locals, dressed as Santa, reindeers, elves and Christmas trees, gathered at the Monnow Bridge in the town centre to complete a 2.1km (1.3 miles) dash for charity.

The event, which was organised by Spirit of Monmouth Running Club, sees around 250 people every year run, jog or walk through the streets to raise money for Latch, a Welsh children’s cancer charity.

Race director, Emma King said: “The race is always popular and year after year we get people taking part in this fun event.

“The race raises around £1,000 each year and then the overall total is then matched by Barclays bank.”

After the race, runners gathered for a presentation, where awards were given to fastest male, fastest female, fastest under 16s , fastest family and best fancy dress.

Jon and Kate Williams, from Monmouth, along with their two children, Freya aged three and Erin aged one, were the fastest family to cross the line. Mrs Williams said: “We’ve run the race for a few years, but this would have been Erin’s first time and she is very excited to have a medal!

“I think we spent half the race zigzagging back and for after the children, but it was great fun.”

13-year-old Katie Mapp won best fancy dress after running the distance wearing a cardboard Christmas tree over her head with fairy lights wrapped around it. Katie said: “It’s been a good day and I have run this race before.

“It was quite hard work to run with this costume on!” she added.

23 year-olds, Beth Davies and Carly Bevan ran the race in half an hour. Miss Davies said: “There was a great atmosphere and it was a really good day. We both cannot wait to go and get a celebratory meal now!”

Michelle Davies along with her children, Ella, eight, Ethan, five, and her friend Jill Rudd all took part dressed in Christmas gear. Ms Davies said: “It’s been a fun day. It’s good to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”