DRIVING wind and rain failed to dampen the spirits of hundreds of festive fundraising Santas.

More than 700 runners dressed in traditional Father Christmas outfits took part in Oxford's first charity Santa Fun Run.

Children joined parents alongside serious runners in the two-mile jog around the city centre yesterday, battling through pouring rain and strong winds.

It is hoped the fun runners have raised about £10,000 for Helen and Douglas House hospices and Fox FM's Help an Oxfordshire Child campaign.

Jo Mitchell, fundraising manager at Helen and Douglas House, said: "Against all the odds it was a great morning.

"I thought due to the weather and forecast people would not bother to turn up but seeing them all run off and come back was fantastic, even if it wasn't the nicest of conditions.

"It was so nice to see the full spectrum of people, including adults and parents with their children, taking part.

"Everyone is in good spirits and they have risen to the occasion."

It was Oxford's first Santa Fun Run, but now organisers hope it will become an annual event.

An estimated 720 fun runners from across the county and surrounding areas gathered at Broad Street for a warm-up session.

As they set off from Broad Street, taking in Parks Road, the University Parks and St Cross Road, the heavens opened and the route was lashed with wind and rain.

Alan Chetwynd, 22, of Keble College, was the first Santa across the finishing line.

He said: "I am used to running in the morning and in the rain, so I didn't mind so much. I'm coming back from an injury so I thought I'd join in for the run, but didn't expect to win it."

Paul Hughes, 23, of Abingdon, ran with work colleagues from Barclays Bank in Oxford, and finished in second place.

He said: "It was a lot of fun and well worth it, even in the rain. It was nice to do something for charity."

All the proceeds will be shared between Helen and Douglas House, in East Oxford, which provides respite and end-of-life care for children and young adults, and the an Oxfordshire Child campaign, which supports a number of children's charities across the county.

Fox FM Drivetime presenter Adam Ball got everyone warmed up and in the mood to race before the event.

Youngsters from Headington Primary School and Magdalen College Junior School put the runners in a festive mood with carol singing.