HUNDREDS of little Santas hit the playground today (Friday, December 11) to raise funds for their local hospice.

Youngsters at Durham Trinity School and Sports College raised almost £1,300 for St Cuthbert’s Hospice by taking part in a sponsored Santa Run.

The children also enjoyed a Christmas party, complete with bouncy castle, trampolines and festive music.

Teacher Jane Young said: “St Cuthbert’s Hospice is a very worthwhile cause and we count it as one of our sports college’s community partners. It is also a wonderful way for us to come together and celebrate at Christmas-time.”

Durham Trinity is one of four schools in the city staging a Santa Run in aid of the hospice, with Neville’s Cross Primary School, Durham Johnston School and St Oswald’s Nursery also taking part.

Last year, the Santa Runs raised more than £6,000 for St Cuthbert’s Hospice, which provides free palliative and end of life care and bereavement support to people with life limiting illnesses in County Durham.

Sheela Joy, senior community and events fundraiser, said: “We are thrilled local schools like Durham Trinity are supporting us this Christmas.

“I really enjoyed attending the event today and seeing all the children having such a fun time.”