LYME REGIS: Runners got into the festive spirit on Saturday as money was raised for charity at the annual Great Christmas Pudding Race.

Fundraisers were hoping to beat last year's total of £5,000 raised for Cancer Research UK - bringing the total raised by the group to almost £60,000 since the Lyme Regis branch formed in 2007.

Organiser Francesca Evans said: “We don't know how much we have raised yet, but we're hoping to have made as much as the £5,000 as we did last year.

“People do take it very seriously. When previous winners Boylos Watersports were called up to the stage, people were booing them - so it's quite a friendly competitive atmosphere.

“It's just a really fun event to take part in. It's a bit wacky and people seem to really enjoy it and it's something everyone in the town wants to be a part of.

“We are very proud to have supported Cancer Research UK for a number of years and hope it can continue.” 

Runners were able to warm up with a special zumba session in the sunshine, to make sure everyone was prepared for the man event - before eight teams battled it out for the grand prize.

The festive challenge saw runners, kitted out in festive fancy dress, complete an obstacle course while carrying a Christmas pudding. Teams had to carry out a number of Christmas related tasks on their way - including creating a Mr Potato Face on a Christmas pudding and singing Christmas carols.

The Volly Dollies from the Volunteer Inn took first place - in front of hundreds of spectators along the seafront.

Before the Great Pudding Race, Father Christmas and his reindeer arrived at the beach and handed out presents to youngsters in his grotto. Prior to the main event, the Chase the Pudding Race started at the Cobb car park - as runners dressed as Santa chased the Christmas pudding, Jack Durrant, along the seafront.

Anyone wishing to donate to Cancer Research UK, should log onto justgiving.com/xmaspudracelymeregis