More than 1,000 runners have pounded the streets around Reading for the town's first Santa Run.

A sea of red jolly men, and women, were under starters orders at Forbury Gardens and took the route through Broad Street, the Oracle and along the banks of the Kennet.

Men and women wore white beards, and red suits as the group of trainer-wearing St Nick's pounded the pavements to raise vital cash for charity.

First over the finish line was 22-year-old Nick Buckle from Twyford, followed by Thomas Chennell and Kieran Tatum. The fastest women through the course were Amber Gascoigne, Andrea Greenfield and Tamsin Woodcock.

Nick said: "It's a bit of fun.

"When I heard about it I thought 'why not?' and I've always wanted a Santa suit.

"It was really good. There was lots of cheering along the course."

The Mayor Tony Jones started the race organised by the Rotary Club of Reading.

All money raised will be shared between Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service and the Duchess of Kent Hospice.

For more photos and watch all the Santa's go over the start line go to the Reading Chronicle Facebook page

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