HOSPICE staff have thanked supporters who supported its annual Santa Dash in December, revealing that an incredible £11,000 was raised.

People from across the region donned Santa suits to run, walk, or even ride their own routes within Covid rules to raise funds for Saint Catherine's Hospice in Scarborough.

In past years, the Santa Dash has been held as a group event, with hundreds of participants running or walking around Scarborough’s North Bay.

But due to Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines, participants were asked to take part on a day of their choice in December, in households, bubbles or socially distanced in small groups.

Susan Stephenson, communications and marketing manager at Saint Catherine’s, said: “We were thrilled with the response and everyone really rose to the challenge.

"We had everything from sprinting Santas to people taking part on horseback and even some brave Santas taking a chilly dip in the North Sea afterwards.

“It was lovely to see everyone’s photos and hear about their own special reasons for signing up.

"Thank you to each and every person who joined us for the Santa Dash and we hope you had lots of fun taking part!”

All the money raised will go towards looking after patients and their families, both in the hospice and at home, covering 1,600 square miles of North and East Yorkshire, 24/7 and 365 days a year.