Santa run boosts hospice

About 1,000 Santas took to the streets of Oswestry to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the Hope House Hospice.

Yesterday's bizarre spectacle was the second Ho Ho Hope House Santa run in aid of the children's hospice, and it is hoped the event will have raised about £50,000.

Showing them all a clean pair of heels was 12-year-old Matthew Jones, from Selattyn, who won the two-mile race in just 14 minutes and 22 seconds.

The youngster, a member of Oswestry Olympians, headed a motley collection of Santas of all shapes, sizes, ages and fitness levels, all with the same aim - raising funds for the children's hospice at Morda.

The predicted gales and heavy rain failed to materialise. Instead bright sunshine and snow blowing from machines in Festival Square brought smiles to everyone who turned out for the spectacle.

Panto rehearsals meant Neighbours star Natalie Blair was unable to start the race but Radio Shropshire presenter Eric Smith, who is playing Eric the Elf in the Shrewsbury panto Snow White, stepped in.

Oswestry's Mark Garrett, whose nephew Joshua goes to Hope House, donned a turkey suit to lead off the main race.

Among those taking part was Rachel Cox, seven, from Shrewsbury, whose brother Simon goes to Hope House. Their mum, Sarah, who also ran, praised everyone for taking part.

"Everyone today has helped ensure that Hope House can carry on helping youngsters like Simon," she said.