DOROTHY House Hospice Care hopes to have raised more than £11,000 from its 8th annual Santa & Elf Run.

Almost 300 runners took part in the 2.5-kilometre and 5km fun runs at Bath Spa University’s Newton Park estate on Sunday (Dec 9).

The funds will help to support vital patient care at the Winsley-based hospice, which serves patients across Wiltshire, Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset.

Families who have been supported by the hospice dressed up as Santas or Elves and joined in with a comedy warm-up session hosted by Cheryl and Tony from Rare Species Theatre. They then tackled the run around the university grounds. The event moved there this year to cater for its increased numbers.

is year from its former home ning route featured a lake, woods, a castle, a garden temple and two Snow Stations where spectators sprinkled snow on the runners as they passed by in the scenic grounds of the University.

Emily Knight, event fundraiser at Dorothy House Hospice Care, said: “It was a great day out for all the family.

“We loved watching all the Santas and Elves enjoying our stunning new course to raise money for their local hospice. Well done to all our runners and a huge thank you to all our volunteers, marshals and Bath Spa University.”

To donate visit www.dorothyhouse.org.uk or call 01225 721 480.