SCHOOLS and community groups staged festive fun runs in aid of a city hospice.

Various organisations put on sponsored Santa Fun Runs to raise money for St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham City.

The schools involved included Durham Johnston, Durham Trinity, Burnhope Primary, St Oswald’s CE Aided Infant and Nursery, Neville’s Cross Primary and Cestria Primary.

Cestria was taking part for the second year, taking its fundraising total to £6,000.

Jade Mcardle, a community fundraiser at the hospice, said: “The response to this year’s Santa Fun Run has been fantastic.

“We can’t thank the schools and groups who have taken part enough.”

The hospice must raise £1.2m each year to continue providing day and overnight care for people with life-limiting illnesses.