A RECORD number of runners took part in Skipton's Great Santa Fun Run on Sunday.

More than 1,600 runners lined up for the five-kilometre event, organised by Skipton Craven Rotary Club.

Children, parents, grandparents, work colleagues, church groups, sports clubs and individuals dressed in festive Santa gear, creating a wave of crimson and white, which snaked its way from Aireville Park towards the town centre.

Cheered on by crowds of spectators, the runners completed the course between 18 and 120 minutes, with all raising money for their chosen charities.

Many had very personal reasons for taking part - about 40 people ran in memory of Cononley man Jason Kendall (Minty), who died last month at the age of 45. They were raising money for Sue Ryder's Manorlands Hospice, where he spent his last weeks.

The other main beneficiaries of the run were Airedale Hospital Emergency Department Appeal, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Rotary's own local charities.

Rotarian David Craven, chairman of the organising committee, said: "We could not have pulled this off without major support from a range of organisations and individuals including Craven District and Skipton Town Councils and the management at Aireville Park.

"We are grateful for the sponsorship from local businesses to help defray our event costs so money raised can go direct to charity. We thank all the runners, those who pledged to support them and all the club's members, their partners and families who helped."

Skipton Craven Rotary Club president Ken Lee added: "The day belonged rightly to local people who joined together to demonstrate their support for those maybe less fortunate than themselves. The fact that everyone has again enjoyed the occasion is important; but, more important, is a belief that there is so much we can and want to do for each other.

"Our club’s presence in the community now continues with our nightly Santa Sleigh collections in Skipton and surrounding villages, our presence at the Dickensian festival in Grassington, and at local supermarkets, all in the run-up to Christmas."

The total raised will be announced in the New Year.

Dr Meg Crossley, clinical lead of the Emergency Department Appeal, said: "The funds raised will greatly help our staff to provide high quality care and support to all our patients, and to those accompanying them."

And Andrew Wood, senior fundraiser at Sue Ryder, said Manorlands had been associated with the fun run since it started in 2010.

"The run has yet again raised a fantastic amount for a wide range of local charities," he said. "The money raised for Manorlands will greatly support our ongoing work, both at Oxenhope, and in the community of Craven."

Helen Gowans, regional fundraiser for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be one of the chosen charities of Skipton Craven Rotary Club and it is wonderful to support and take part in the Santa Fun Run. The YAA needs to raise £9,990 every day to provide its life saving service and we are grateful to all competitors and organisers who help to make this possible."