Santas a-plenty in Victoria Park

Scores of Father Christmases jogged around the Newbury park to raise money for charity yesterday (Sunday)

A SHEPHERD and an angel joined a multitude of people in Santa Claus costumes for a charity jog around Victoria Park in Newbury yesterday (Sunday) morning.

Around 90 red robed figures set off at 11.30am for a relaxing jog, or stroll along the 1km (O.62 miles) route, wearing Santa Claus outfits provided by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Entry fees and funds raised on the day were in aid of the charity.

“It was absolutely fantastic and the weather was good,” said BHF spokeswoman, Mary Bareham, adding that the total raised was still being totted up.

Newbury mayor Jeff Beck was there, with music by Watership Brass and children were encouraged to dress in their favourite festive costume at the family event, for a ‘best dressed' competition at the start.

The winners were dressed as a shepherd and an angel and received a tin of sweets, but picking a winner proved quite a task: "All the costumes were good, including a little elf," said Mrs Bareham.

More than 300 people took part in the jog last year, with supporters including Newbury Town Council, who provide the park free of charge for the event.

For more on the Santa Jog, including photographs, see the Newbury Weekly News on Thursday (Dec 1)