HUNDREDS of festive fundraisers descended on Mary Stevens Park on Sunday for the annual Santa Jog.

The festive spirit was alive and well in Stourbridge as more than 600 Santas took part in the 5k sponsored jog in aid of Mary Stevens Hospice.

Participants gathered around the band stand to join in the mass warm-up led by fitness instructor, Gemma Webster, from Fitness Factory, Stourbridge, before cllr Pete Lowe started the race with a countdown.

Among the joggers were 12 members of the Lye and Oldswinford Slimming World groups, who managed to raise £620 for the hospice.

Kerry Morgan, slimming consultant for the Oldswinford group, said the team had "a great morning" supporting the hospice and added: "We were all more able to jog this year due to our slimming successes."

The whole team from the Stourbridge branch of the Yorkshire Building Society also got involved in the event.

Mortgage consultant, Sarah Hall, said: "The atmosphere was fantastic. We had a really good time and felt quite proud to be doing it. We're not sure how much we have raised yet as donations are still coming in."

The hospice's community fundraiser, Vanessa Wale, added: “We were thrilled to see so many Santas, lining up at the start line all keen to run, jog or walk in support of the hospice.

"This is a real family feel good event. We would like to thank everyone for making this such a great morning and a fantastic start to Christmas."