ALMOST 200 people donned red suits and white beards to take part in Callington's first Santa Sprint.

More than £1,500 was raised for the charity CHICKS as Santas of all ages sprinted, jogged and walked the mile-and-a-half route around the town centre.

Ginsters sponsored the event and all participants received a medal and a pasty at the end of their run.

Sixth form students Lloyd Lovell and Adam Warne got everyone into the spirit with a street dance display and warm-up routine, and then it was down to Pirate FM presenter Neil Caddy to start the race. Neil had been challenged to take on more than 50 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers from the Stoke Climsland Scout Group who were taking part.

CHICKS fundraiser Jo Smith Scott, who organised the event, said: 'We are really delighted so many people got into the festive spirit and took part.

'The event was a great success and everybody seemed to have a fantastic time; it was a lovely way to kickstart the Christmas season.

'Many people commented that they hope the Santa Sprint will become an annual event in Callington and we certainly aim to make it happen,' she added.

Organisers commented on how the Santa Sprint was a real community effort; while Callington Cricket Club hosted the event, the town's Rotary members played a big part in helping to organise and marshal the route.

There was support from Callington Town Hall staff, and water and chocolate coins were provided for runners by Tesco and the Co-operative in Callington.

CHICKS has two retreats, one on the edge of Dartmoor and one on the south coast of Cornwall. The charity aims to provide respite breaks for around 1,300 disadvantaged children next year, including over Christmas for children who would otherwise miss out.