The festive season was in full swing in the city as hundreds of people took part in a fun Christmas event to raise thousands for a great cause.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma BensteadNorwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma Benstead (Image: Archant)

Santa Claus came to town - all 250 of him, as runners young and old dressed in Father Christmas suits ran, jogged and walked round Eaton Park for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

The park was painted red on Sunday as runners made their way round the two-kilometre Santa run, which raised more than £5,000 for the charity.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma BensteadNorwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma Benstead (Image: Archant)

Emma Benstead, EACH events fundraiser, said among the Santa crowd was Anne Saunders, 89, who ran with her family.

'She was walking around the track with her daughter,' she said.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma BensteadNorwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma Benstead (Image: Archant)

'The run went really well, the weather was much better than last year, when it was very cold and snowed.

'There were lots of little kids dressed up, Santa Claus was giving out goody bags to the children who took part and everyone got a medal.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma BensteadNorwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma Benstead (Image: Archant)

'It was brilliant, lots of festive cheer and it got everyone in the Christmas spirit, it was really good.'

During the season of giving, EACH will be hosting a carol service at All Saints Church in The Street, in Poringland, on Tuesday, December 18.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma BensteadNorwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma Benstead (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma BensteadNorwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma Benstead (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma BensteadNorwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma Benstead (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma BensteadNorwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma Benstead (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma BensteadNorwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma Benstead (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma BensteadNorwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma Benstead (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma BensteadNorwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma Benstead (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma BensteadNorwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma Benstead (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma BensteadNorwich Santa Run. Picture: Emma Benstead (Image: Archant)