It was ready, steady ho ho ho for the 161 runners and walkers in Helston who dressed as Santa to raise money for charity on Saturday.

This year's Santa Series organised by Cornwall Hospice Care came to a vibrant end with the Helston fun run.

It is the second year that the town has hosted the event, which not only attracted Santas of all ages but also a fine collection of decorated dogs.

So far participants in Helston have raised £3,936, with more sponsorship still to come in.

Once again, Helston Bowling Club provided the meeting place for all the competitors, who were set off on a choice of two routes - a one mile or a 1.5 mile course - by Wendy Wheatley from BBC Radio Cornwall.

A tour of the town centre and outskirts then followed, before everyone returned to the bowling club for mince pies and to receive their Christmas tree-shaped medals.

Rowan Blewett, the event organiser at Helston, said: "Some of our runners had really gone to town on their costumes and the outfits for their dogs, and the atmosphere was really jolly. The dry weather helped too and the 161 Santas made a fine sight as they raced up the main shopping street.

"I’d like to thank all the participants, BBC Radio Cornwall, Helston Bowling Club who are amazing hosts, Justine Hornsby from the Christmas Lights Committee, Cornwall and Devon 4x4, The Co-Op for the mince pies, Lifestar Medical, Helston Museum and JP Fitness Cornwall."

Helston was the final town to host a Santa Fun Run for Cornwall Hospice Care this winter and a number of schools have also supported the initiative, hosting their own Santa Runs on their grounds.

All events have been raising money for Cornwall's two hospices, St Julia's Hospice in Hayle and Mount Edgcumbe near St Austell.

Each person has made difference, with Sam Pleasants, ward sister at St Julia’s Hospice, explaining: "It costs £27 an hour to care for one in-patient so each and every person taking part in the Helston fun run has made a difference.

"Their support allows us to look after those who are struggling with life limiting illnesses and their families. This we can do at no cost to them thanks to all our fundraising supporters, so from all of us at the charity, thank you."