DONNING reindeer antlers and Rudolph's flashing red nose, runners braved the bitter cold to raise some cash for charity.

Around 150 people were signed up for the inaugural Bournemouth Reindeer Pier to Pier fundraiser in aid of the Mayor's Charity Appeal Fund, seeing chattering children, their parents and even the odd family dog wrapped up to run, walk or gallop from Pier Approach to Boscombe.

The charities set to benefit from the £1,000 target are the Bournemouth Parks Foundation, the Stable Family Home Trust, the St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service, and the neurology department at Bournemouth hospital.

Sara Armstrong, from the Bournemouth Hospital Charity, said: "This event isn't just about Bournemouth Hospital Charity although we're running it. It's in aid of the Mayor's appeal.

"It's the first of the events that the charity manages.

"We have got a whole range of activities raising money throughout the coming year. Tonight is about bringing people together and having fun.

"It's a really fun and festive time for families. We have been supported by the Boscombe lifeguards tonight for people's safety."

Ms Armstrong said some people whom had not signed up to the event beforehand turned out anyway, ready in running gear with the essential reindeer accessories.

"We have had quite a few turn up tonight," she added. "It's just been great. There are so many people who have got behind us and we think this is the first reindeer run from pier-to-pier that's taken place."

Dr James Manners, a consultant neurologist at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, said: "The key thing is we put this money towards things that the NHS couldn't otherwise supply. It's really important that people know this isn't just a cheeky way of the hospital trying to replace equipment. We wouldn't be able to improve certain services, that the NHS couldn't otherwise afford to fund, were it not for events like tonight.

"We're looking at new and exciting techniques, and to offer a great experience to people, so that we can improve services to those seeking it. We 're not putting it towards things that would happen anyway."