Batman, Swamp Thing and Charlie Chaplin were just some of the colourful characters taking a charitable run along the seafront.

About 1,400 runners, many in fancy dress, were taking part in the biggest Heroes Run ever from Hove Lawns yesterday.

The event had 400 more entrants than at any time in its eight- year history as competitors took part in 5km and 10km runs along the seafront to Hove Lagoon.

Mini heroes also put their best feet forward, with hundreds of children taking part in the kids run.

The event has raised more than £20,000 for Pass It On Africa to build orphanage schools in Ghana, Kenya and Gambia as well as benefiting 23 other charities.

Co-organiser James Macdonald said: “This is our eighth year and we’ve gone from 250 runners in our first year to around 1,400 runners today.

“This is by far the biggest event we have ever done.”

Fellow organiser Matt Lambert said: “The outfits get more impressive every year. Batman and Superman no longer cut the mustard any more.

“I’ve seen a Lego man around which looks very labour intensive. A lot of late nights had gone into that costume.”

Two employees from Brighton-based animation firm Mind Orchard, which was one of the sponsors of the event, took the prize for the best designed costume for their Lego Batman and Robin costumes.