Hundreds of Santas descended on the Royal Parks over two weekends to spread Christmas cheer while supporting Princess Alice Hospice.

On Sunday, December 1, nearly 500 participants pulled on their hats, beards and suits and dashed along the 5km route in Bushy Park, with some runners also donning reindeer antlers.

Fast forward a week and it was Richmond Park’s turn to be inundated with Saint Nicks, when supporters of the Esher hospice got into the festive spirit.

Two separate runs were organised for Sunday, December 8, with more than 400 making it a day to remember for participants, volunteers, supporters and spectators.

People of all ages and varying abilities took part in both fun runs, with 80-year-old Douglas Roberston from Weybridge among those at Bushy Park.

Mr Robertson had volunteered at Princess Alice Hospice’s coffee shop for 11 years.

He said: “This is the first year I’ve done the Santa fun run. I wish I’d done it before now because I’ve had a fantastic time but I hope to do it next year and for many more years after that.”

Richmond and Twickenham Times reporters Clare Buchanan, 25, and Amy Dyduch, 23, also joined in with the second run at Richmond Park.

Miss Buchanan said: “We both had a really great time taking part in the run. It was a lovely day with ideal weather to enjoy to scenery of Richmond Park. It was pretty dreamy.

“It’s great to be able to support Princess Alice Hospice and being dressed up in a Santa suit made it exceptionally fun.”