Shropshire Star

Hundreds at Shropshire Santa and toy run events

Hundreds of festive fun-seekers turnout out to see present-packing bikers and sprinting Santas at three of Shropshire's most eagerly awaited Christmas events.

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Hundreds of festive fun-seekers turnout out to see present-packing bikers and sprinting Santas at three of Shropshire's most eagerly awaited Christmas events.

The Square was the scene of the action in Shrewsbury yesterday when motorcyclists gathered for the annual toy run, while over in Oswestry an army of Santas took to their toes on the 2010 Santa Run.

And in the Arena in Telford Town Park more than 150 people dressed in festive gear took part in the fourth annual Santa Fun Run for the Royal National Institute for the Blind and Guide Dogs charities.

Anne-Marie Price, one of the organiser's of the Shrewsbury Toy Run, said it had been great fun with more than £1,000 raised for the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Severndale School and Bradbury House.

The Oswestry event saw hundreds of Santas descend on the town yesterday to take part in its annual Christmas charity run.

The one-mile run through the town was organised by Hope House Hospices to raise cash for life-limited children and their families.

Runners dressed in red suits arrived from across the county to run around roads including Cross Street, Leg Street and The English Walls.

Hope House spokeswoman Vanessa Thomas said: "It was a brilliant day. We had more than 200 people taking part and although that is slightly down on previous years we are grateful for all support in the current financial climate.

"The sun shone, there were no injuries and everyone managed to get round.

"We don't know yet exactly how much we have raised but expect it to be between £10,000 to £20,000."

The Shrewsbury event, staged by the MCC Rainbringers club, drew crowds to The Square where the bikes began gathering from 10am.

Band Stiff Witness played from 11am to noon to keep the bikers and hordes of Christmas shoppers entertained.

And in Telford the Friends of Telford Town Park said more than 150 Santas had gathered for the fun at its fourth annual fun run event which it co-ordinated with the RNIB and Guide Dog charities.

Chris Pettman, chairman of The Friends, said: "The event has raised over £2,500 so far with more monies still to come in."

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