SANTAS to right of them, Santas to left of them, Santas in front of them – all over Lydiard Park ran the 500.

This morning saw a mass of bearded Saint Nicks mark the sixth annual Santa Run to raise cash - and a few smiles - for charity in the run up to Christmas.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix, the 5K fun run was staged to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group, an independent charity supporting people with Down’s Syndrome.

Participants came in all ages, shapes and sizes, dressed uniformly from head to toe in their distinctive red and white Santa outfits.

Organiser Nigel Causton, of the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix, was thrilled to see so many people – around 500 in total – give up their Sunday mornings for a good cause.

Speaking just before the race, he said: “I am really excited this year, I think it’s going to be brilliant. All the Santas are quickly filing in and everyone looks ready and raring to go.

“It’s incredible to see all the hard work that has gone into organising this pay off, and it really is like a big sea of red.”

The day began with a Zumba warm-up, returning following its popularity last year, before the starting pistol was fired.

For one man, 51-year-old David Keeble, the fun run marked the culmination of a dramatic lifestyle transformation.

Just nine weeks ago, David downloaded an app on his mobile that encouraged him to get active and complete a couch-to-5K challenge.

“So here I am,” he said proudly. “And I’m feeling tremendous. I can’t quite believe I’m doing this and not sitting at home with a full English breakfast and thinking about going to the pub.

“But I’m really looking forward to it. It just goes to show you what you can do, even at 51-years-old, if you put your mind to it.”

The event was also attended by members of a local Nordic walking group, who had also donned the obligatory red and white outfits.

Chief Nordic walker Ashley Sandy said: “It’s good to be able to do something like this for charity. We are always on the lookout for fun things to do, and I’m sure it will be a great event.”