A SEA of Santas took over a country park as a much-loved running event returned.

The Braintree and Great Notley 5k Santa Run was back at Great Notley Country Park at the weekend, with hundreds donning Santa suits to take part in the annual event

The event, which is held in aid of Hope House Essex, has been running for five years, and started after organiser Dan Burdge wanted to do something extra for the charity.

Braintree and Witham Times: A Santa family taking partA Santa family taking part (Image: N/A)

Braintree and Witham Times: A young Santa with his medalA young Santa with his medal (Image: N/A)

He said: “It began just trying to think of different ways of raising money for the charity.

“I have been volunteering with Hope House before I started doing the runs.

“They have a couple of properties in Braintree that provide temporary accommodation for people who are currently homeless and help them get back on their feet and find work.

“I have been volunteering with them for seven or eight years and came up with the Santa run for them.

“They do great work in Braintree helping the homeless, and the run also helps to raise the profile of them in the community too.”

Braintree and Witham Times: A thumbs up from two participantsA thumbs up from two participants (Image: N/A)

Braintree and Witham Times: Hundreds took part in the annual eventHundreds took part in the annual event (Image: N/A)

Braintree and Witham Times: Two Santas taking on the 5kTwo Santas taking on the 5k (Image: N/A)

About 200 people take part in the run each year, which has taken place in the country park every year since its inception, apart from one year when it was held virtually due to Covid.

Dan said: “You can either pay to enter or get sponsorship and it is really popular each year, with hundreds coming along and regularly returning.

“We have music, dress up and we always have good feedback. Everyone seems to love it - it’s a really good day.”

Braintree and Witham Times: Santa takes to the sky during his runSanta takes to the sky during his run (Image: N/A)

Braintree and Witham Times: More than £3,000 was raised from the eventMore than £3,000 was raised from the event (Image: N/A)

In total, £3,300 was raised for Hope House.

Dan was overjoyed with the money raised.

He said: “We have probably raised about £15,000 over all the times we have done it.

“It has helped us to buy, fund and kit out the second house and get two properties up and running.

“It also helps to fund the outreach programme which always needs additional funds.”