FESTIVE spirits were high as runners took part in a wacky Christmas event to raise money for charity.

The Lyme Regis Great Christmas Pudding Race returned to the festive calender after a year off in 2015, raising funding for Cancer Research UK.

The festive challenge saw runners, kitted out in festive fancy dress, complete a course littered with 28 obstacles 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, decorating a tree and singing Christmas carols.

The Volly Dollies from the Volunteer Inn took first place - in front of hundreds of spectators along the seafront. The winners were able to defend their title, having taken first place at the last event in 2014.

Organisers decided to take a break last year because of time pressures to arrange the event, but returned on Saturday to raise more money for the charity.

This year's event was officially opened by Paralympian Paul Blake. The Dorchester-based athlete, who won gold and silver in Rio earlier this year, is a former Lyme Regis resident. As well as launching the event, Mr Blake posed for photographs with youngsters and his medals.

Before the Great Christmas Pudding Race, Father Christmas and his reindeer arrived at the beach and handed out presents to youngsters in his grotto. Revellers were also entertained by the Merrily-On-High Christmas singers.

This year, a new record of 11 teams took part in the Great Christmas Pudding Race. Earlier in the day, dozens of runners dressed as Father Christmas chased a Christmas pudding, Jack Durrant, along the seafront, after setting off from the Cobb car park.

For more information and to donate to the charity event, visit xmaspudracelymeregis.co.uk