Shoppers in St Ives looked bemused as a parade of Father Christmases ran through the town centre on Sunday morning.

About 30 adults and 10 children dressed up to take part in the British Heart Foundation’s Santa Jog which started at the Copley Scout Centre in The Thicket.

The runners were each given a Father Christmas costume before running a three or six-mile course.

Jean Chandler, chairman of the St Ives fundraising branch, which has been running for 30 years, said she hoped that more than £500 had been raised.

She told The Hunts Post: “We were really pleased with the number of people who turned out. We were really lucky with the weather which was also brilliant.

“It was a great atmosphere and people in the town centre clapped as the Father Christmases ran through. Some must have thought it was a bit odd.”

The St Ives BHF branch was recognised as the best fundraising branch in Cambrigdeshire and Northamptonshire for last year’s take of around £15,000 and Mrs Chandler believes they have beaten that total this time around.