PEOPLE across Teignbridge were among an army of fun runners raising cheer in their festive gear for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) .

More than 1,100 people across the South West took part in the charity’s Santas on the Run Goes Freestyle virtual event – helping to raise more than £75,000 to support the region’s three children’s hospices, including Little Bridge House in Fremington, near Barnstaple.

CHSW’s three annual Santas on the Run events, normally held at locations across the region, became virtual events this year due to covid-19 restrictions.

People were asked to ‘go freestyle’ and choose their own route, activity, distance and festive fancy dress and raise as much as they could for CHSW.

Santas, elves and whole host of festive characters were spotted all over the South West, including in Bovey Tracey.

Kiley Pearce, Events Fundraiser from CHSW, said: ‘We were overwhelmed with the number of people who took part in this event and it was fantastic to see them all posting their photos on social media showing how they had made the event their own.

‘We had everything from Santas playing tennis, to a running nativity scene; people really got creative and have raised an incredible amount of money at the same time.’

Santas on the Run goes Freestyle was supported by community partner Whirlwind Sports.

The money raised at the event will help CHSW to continue providing vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families throughout the Christmas period and beyond.

The charity has adapted its care model during the pandemic to provide hospice, home and virtual care, acknowledging the need to stay in touch with families and support them in new ways through these uncertain times.