A PROMENADE became a sea of red as hundreds of Santas took part in a charity run.

The annual Santa Dash gathered on Hove seafront near Adelaide Crescent, where runners braved the bracing wind to take on the 5km run.

It raises money for Rockinghorse, the charity which supports the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton.

Charity fundraising manager Hollie Trezise said: “I’m really impressed with the turnout. It is amazing to see so many runners taking part.

“We hope there are as many as 470 runners, and they have all been getting into the Christmas spirit.”

Among those taking part for the first time with Sussex pals Harriet Jackson, Anna Paskins and Jodie Smith.

Harriet said: “We wanted to get together at Christmas to do something and this seemed the perfect thing to do. It’s nice way to get outside to do an activity.”

Jodie said: “It’s for a really good cause, and it is nice that it is a local charity, it has been lots of fun.”

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Sisters Tina Parkins from Hove and Lisa Touzel from Portslade were taking part after seeing the event on Facebook.

The hospital looked after their sister when she had a premature baby, so it is a cause which is important to them.

Brothers Dave, Luke, and Liam McDonnell met up in Brighton for the run. Dave moved to Brighton for university ten years ago, and his brother Luke lives in Manchester while Liam lives in Edinburgh.

Dave said: “It’s an early family Christmas for us, and it’s a nice thing to do rather than just going to the pub.”

Brighton pals Nikki Keramiotis, Lorri Galloway and Sue Breakell said it was the perfect addition to their festive photo albums as they took on the run. Sue said: “It really gets you in the Christmas spirit.”

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There were also organisations taking part, such as LGBT group frontrunners who waved a rainbow flag and wore rainbow coloured Santa hats.

Meanwhile there were also five runners from architect firm Conran Partners from Queen's Road in Brighton. Director Paul Zara said the company supports the Rockinghorse charity, and have taken part in other event such as Paddle Around the Pier.

To find out more about Rockinghorse or to donate visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk.

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