HUNDREDS of children have taken part in a charity run dressed in Santa Claus costumes.

Durham Johnston School’s Santa Run was held at the school site, in Crossgate Moor, Durham City, today.

Nearly 500 youngsters took part, wearing Santa hats, full Santa costumes or dressed as reindeer.

Even the school staff got into the Christmas spirit, also donning the fancy dress.

The event was held to raise money for St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham City, which provides free-of-charge care to people with life limiting illnesses across north Durham through a day hospice and 24-hour in-patient unit, as well as supporting their families.