ONE HUNDRED or so Santas running through the countryside on a glorious winter’s day made for quite a spectacle at Badbury Rings near Wimborne.

Parents, children and even the odd dog donned red suits and white beards for the second Wimborne Rotary Annual Great Santa Fun Run on Sunday – raising an estimated £5,000 for their chosen charities.

After a group warm-up session the klaxon was sounded to start the run by Jon Cuthill from BBC South’s Inside Out programme.

He also took part, completing four miles – twice round the point to point horse race course at Badbury Rings.

With participants of all ages and abilities there was also the option of shorter routes on the same course.

Each runner was able to raise money for the charity of their choice, and groups set to benefit include Cherry Tree Nursery, which provides sheltered work opportunities for people with mental illness, The Citizens Advice Bureau. Naomi House children’s hospice, and family support charity Parents and Children Together (PACT).

Tim Ridge, chairman of Dorset PACT, said: “Wimborne Rotary has provided a great opportunity for a fun day, at the same time allowing us to raise money for charities.”

Rotarian Arthur Moseley said: “It was a terrific time. Everybody enjoyed it they all want to do it again next year.”

Robert McBain, president elect of Wimborne Rotary, thanked main sponsors the Co-operative, and the National Trust and a local farmer for allowing them to use the land.