MORE than 400 Santas braved the freezing weather in Monmouth last Sunday morning (December 5) to take part in a special fun run.

 It's the third time the Spirit of Monmouth running group has staged the event along a one and a half mile course. But the sight of so many Santas on the run raises a significant amount for two charities, Ty Hafan, the Welsh children's Hospice and ABF The Soldiers' Charity.

Sledges, shepherds and pixies joined the Father Christmases of all ages for the event that meanders through the Vauxhall Fields.

While most competitors were taken part in the event just for fun, military personnel Glen Hill and Tom Cooling took it more seriously and ran the course in just over five minutes to become first and second men home.

Last year's winner, Monmouth's MP David Davies was a close third.

Mr Davies said: "It's disappointing to loose out this year, but I'm over 40 now and you can't stop the passage of time. Congratulations to the winners from the armed forces who took the top two places."

Angela Jones won the women's race and with the help of her children, they also took the family award. Harry Powell was the first child to cross the finish line under the arch of the Monnow Bridge.