DOZENS of Father Christmases weaved along Christchurch Quay for its inaugural Santa run on Saturday.

The festively dressed group gathered at the beauty spot at 9.30am where they followed a cycling elf from Christchurch Rowing Club.

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They then walked, jogged or ran the scenic one-mile route around the Quomps, Priory and Castle before finishing on the Captain’s Club Terrace with a celebratory punch.

Children were greeted at the finish line by Father Christmas, who handed out presents and medals.

Organiser Juliet Pull told the Daily Echo she was delighted with the turnout for the run – which was sponsored by the Captain’s Club – with around 80 people donning the red suits, black boots and customary white beard.

“The atmosphere is fantastic and everybody got into the festive spirit,” she said.

“This is something we want to make an annual event and I think we have had a great start.

“I hope it can really grow and will become something people look forward to in Christchurch every year.

“Other Santa runs attract hundreds of people – and hopefully one day we can make it to that size.”

She added that it had been straightforward to organise as the route meant there was no need for any road closures, as are often required at other similar events.

It came about after Mrs Pull wanted to help her daughter Emmanuelle complete her Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Any money raised from the event will go towards the YUYO charity, which supports schools in Uganda.