More than 400 take part in Santa fun run around Belvoir Castle for Dove Cottage Day Hospice

Hundreds of people donned red coats and false white beards to brave the freezing cold as they took part in the second Dove Cottage Santa fun run event.

The turnout was the highest yet with 430 entrants, 130 more than last year’s total.

Participants set off around the picturesque grounds of the castle at 10.30am and had the opportunity to take on a 2.5km, 5km or new 10km route.

The first runner back on the 2.5km route crossed the finish line after around 12 minutes and everyone who completed the distances received a medal.

One of the organiser, Georgina Steward, said: “The event was fantastic and definitely better than last year. There were a number of families, wheelchair users, pushchairs and dog walkers who took part.

“Everyone enjoyed themselves and we already know around £6,000 has been raised after initial collections.”