A SWARM of Santa's gathered together on Bournemouth Pier ready to complete a 5k, running, jogging or walking to raise money for Julia's House.

Runners headed off at 10am on Sunday, November 27, to take part in the fundraising event, held in partnership with Bournemouth Christmas Market, raising vital money to help support the families of local, seriously ill children cared for by Julia’s House.

The Santa Dash is a fun way to welcome in the festive season and support your local children’s hospice charity. 

Harry Redknapp, charity patron, was also supporting the event, urging people to join in. 

The runners headed down to Boscombe pier then back around to Bournemouth Pier and finished the day with a free mulled wine at the Alpine Lodge and hot chocolate for the children.

Bournemouth Echo:

Sarah Agnew, events fundraiser, said: "This is our first Santa Dash on Bournemouth Seafront, we are in partnership with Bournemouth Christmas Market, to hopefully raise loads of money for children in Dorset who are seriously ill. 

"We have run a Santa dash a few years ago and it's a great way to raise money and for people to have fun and get in the festive spirit.

"We've got around 50 people signed up, the weather isn't fantastic but loads of people have come down and braved it and it's looking like it's going to be a great day."