Thousands run in city Santa Dash

The Santa Dash around the city is in its fifth year

More than 7,000 runners have taken to the streets of Liverpool dressed in red and white for the annual Santa Dash.

The 5km race, which was held for the fifth year, saw participants dressing up as Father Christmas.

Steven Wilkinson from Crosby took first place, by completing the race in 16 minutes. It started at the Liver Buildings and ended at the Town Hall.

Organisers had hoped to get 8,000 participants to break the world record but there was a few hundred less.

Runners travelled from across the UK to take part in the event. Some participants flew from Oslo in Norway.

Thousands of Father Christmases have taken part in an annual race through Liverpool city centre to raise funds for charity.

The Santa Dash, which was celebrating its 4th anniversary, saw about 7,000 children and adults dressed in santa outfits take part in 5km and 1km runs.

Many people have been training for the event for several months.

The Liverpool event is one of a number which take place around the world to raise money for charities.