Thousands of pounds were raised for charity after hundreds of people took part in an annual Santa dash across the seafront.

Despite the cold weather, around 660 people took part in the sponsored five-kilometre run starting on the seafront in Hove, heading west along the coast and then returning to the starting line.

The Santas brought smiles and festive cheer to passers-by, raising more than £7,000 for the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.

Money raised from the event will go towards the charity’s Christmas appeal which aims to bring festive spirit to children and families spending time in hospital.

Emma Cunliffe, supporter engagement manager at Rockinghorse, was delighted with the turnout for this year’s event and said: “The Santa Dash is such an iconic event and it’s always brilliant to see them all every December, especially all the children and families.”

The race is organised by Commonwealth silver medallist runner, John Gladwin, and the children’s charity - the main charity partner of the race since 2015.

Mr Gladwin said: “The Santa Dash has been going for around 18 years now and we’re still getting great numbers of people. It’s fantastic that people keep coming along and supporting it.”

The Argus: Adam and his dad Andy at the Santa Dash along Hove seafrontAdam and his dad Andy at the Santa Dash along Hove seafront (Image: Rockinghorse)

Among the runners was three-year-old Adam, who wanted to raise money after spending the first week of his life in the Trevor Mann Baby Unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in 2019.

His dad, Andy, said: “Adam chose to do the Santa Sash because he wanted to help other children.

“The staff at the Trevor Mann Baby Unit are amazing and help so many families during incredibly difficult situations so we wanted to give something back.”

Adam said: “I had fun - I really enjoyed all the cheering when I finished and my mum got me a toy reindeer to say well done.”