VISITORS to Moors Valley Country Park may have thought they’d landed at the North Pole when they found themselves surrounded by reindeer.

Hundreds of people donned fancy dress costumes Rudolph would be proud of to take part in fund raising runs for the RNLI.

The annual Reindeer Run attracted runners of all ages and abilities and raised thousands of pounds for the charity.

It took place in crisp, bright conditions this morning with a great atmosphere as runners and supporters cheered each other on.

All those taking part received a free T-shirt and a medal when they joined mascots Rookie Reindeer and Stormy Stan for the festive event.

Serious runners embarked on the 10k run, while others ran 5k or took part in the 1k Santa Saunter.

Each run took a different route around the stunning country park with its variety of trails and walks, play areas and a lake.

Children as young as two-years-old took part along with their parents and grandparents.

Among the runners was 10-year-old Henry Knott from Poole, a pupil of Canford Heath Junior School. He said: “I am a Sea Scout, which is part of the RNLI, so it seemed a good thing to do. I go running with my dad but I have never done anything like this before.”

Web design company Redweb entered a team, which included Fiona Viveash, her sons Jack, 12, and nine-year-old Jules, Andrew Attwood and Bronwyn Browne.

Bronwyn said: “This is the third year we have taken part. It’s a good event” and Fiona added: “I found it quite hard but it was good.”

Andrew said: “We were pleased at the end when we all got a medal, a mince pie and a cup of tea.”

Laura Tomei and Allison Tice, who work at Garmin in Southampton said they run together during their lunch breaks and take part in numerous charity events.

“This is a good one because we live near the sea and we all need the services of the RNLI” said Allison.

The RNLI - the Royal National Lifeboat Institution - provides lifeboats around the coastline of the UK as well as lifeguards on the beaches.

The charity also has a flood rescue section and is involved inn international work.

Organisers hope to raise tens of thousands of pounds from the Reindeer Run.