YOUNGSTERS raised more than £2,000 for a hospice by doing a Santa Run.

More than 400 pupils at Cestria Primary School in Chester-le-Street donned Father Christmas hats and ran around the playing field of the nearby Park View School.

The youngsters were sponsored to take part and raised £2,354.95 for St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham, which relies on public donations and fund-raising to cover its running costs.

“This is the second year the event has been held. The children looked fantastic in all their Santa hats and really enjoyed the run despite the frosty conditions,” said Peter Ruddick, from the school.

The participants were given stickers and certificates for taking part.