Santas in beach dash for charity

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The annual Santa race across Weymouth beach attracts all ages

Up to 500 people who took part in a fun run across a Dorset beach dressed in inflatable Santa suits have raised £1,200 for terminally ill children.

The competitors chased a runner in a Christmas pudding fancy dress outfit along a 5km (3m) route at Weymouth beach on Sunday.

Cash from the race, which is in its third year, will go to Julia's House hospice for terminally ill children.

The event was organised by Dorset firefighter Mark Steen, 39.

Ben Davis, 18, from Weymouth, won the race which began about 1100 GMT and ended an hour and a half later.

He said: "The event has grown in three years. There were just over a 100 santas in the first year.

"The oldest Santa who took part this year was 73 years of age."