It was a sight to behold as 600 Father Christmases ran through the streets.

The event was the fifth annual Santa fun run, organised by the Rotary Club of Folkestone Channel, which attracted double the amount of entrants to previous years.

Sponsorship money will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Pilgims Hospice in East Kent and other charities chosen by the runners.

All runners were given a Father Christams suit which they were invited to decorate. Alternatively they were invited to put together a festive fancy dress costume of their own.

Five primary schools had teams in the event. They were Sandgate, Castle Hill, St Mary’s, Christ Church and Morehall. There was also a mini-run for under 12s.

The first man over the finishing line was Josh Kennedy. The first woman was Charlotte Dale. The first boy was Sam Hines and the winning girl was Alexandra Prickett.

Channel Rotary spokesman Duncan Hopkin said: “We were delighted with the turnout and the weather. The rain held off until many people had finished the course.

“There were hundreds of happy, smiling faces and everyone who took part had a great time.”

The run set off from the Bouverie Place shopping centre and headed for The Leas. It then went through the Coastal Park towards Sandgate and ended outside the Leas Club.