FESTIVE fundraisers collected thousands of pounds for charity this weekend as they took part in a special fun run in Cwmbran.

Runners and families entered the 5km “pudding run” around the north and south fields in Cwmbran on Saturday to raise money for St David’s Hospice Care.

More than 60 people, all dressed up in festive outfits, took part in the non-competitive run while organisers anticipate up to £5,000 has been raised for the local care providers.

Parents Tim and Liz Rees pulled their sons Ben, three, and Theo, six, on a sledge with their dog Marty in the race.

Mrs Rees, 34, a secretary at Rougemont School in Newport, said: “It was great. It was good fun. We also did the Santa run in 2012.”

Franca Nigro, St David’s fundraising co-ordinator for Torfaen, said: “It was fantastic. It is the first time we have done a pudding run with a few obstacles.

“We have always done a Christmas run. They thoroughly enjoyed it.

“All participants ran or walked 5k from north to south fields Cwmbran, and around the boating lake, where Cwmbran Brass Band were there to welcome them.

“On their return to the finish line they had to go through a few obstacle activities, which included skipping, hop scotch, walking with a balloon between their knees, and balance a bean bag on their head.

“We would encourage people to do it next year.”

Runners and walkers who finished the run all received a mini Christmas pudding, a medal and a certificate for taking part.