Dog walkers and early bird visitors could have been mistaken for seeing double, triple or even quadruple when a sea of Santas dashed passed them in Great Yarmouth today (Sunday).

The colourful cavalcade of St Nick's were taking part in a sponsored run in aid of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (Each) and walked, jogged or sprinted the mile course around the seafront wearing red suits and white beards.

More than 70 Santas both young and old took part in the run, the first of its kind to be held in the resort.

Among those that donned a red suit was a team from Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

Trevor Wainwright was joined by fellow councillors Jamie Smith and Lee Sutton and prospective Labour candidate Lara Norris, who between them raised �500 for Each.

Jamie said the bright weather had been kind to them but it had got a bit stuffy running in the suit.

He added: 'It got pretty hot, especially when we were coming round the back of the Marina Centre, the sun was really heating me up.'

'I think we understand why Santa has a sleigh,' Lee joked.

One of the oldest Santas to take part was Anne Saunders from Caister. The 83 year old walked the course and took part as she likes having 'adventures'.

The grandmother of five added: 'It was lovely to see the Santas, it's been really good fun.'

Cuddly mascots Harry the haddock, from Harry Ramsden's fish and chip shop, and Maxi Mouse, from Pettitts animal park, also joined in the fun, boosting the support the event got from businesses. The Comfort Hotel hosted registration and staff from the Marina Centre led a warm up.

Organiser Gary Cook said: 'It's the first Santa run we've done here and we're delighted to start the ball rolling with over 70 people. The weather's held out for us and everybody's enjoyed themselves so it's a great start.'

It is hoped the run will now become an annual event in the town.