On your marks, get set, ho ho ho! One hundred youthful-looking Santas took off on a one mile run around Rochester.

Pupils and staff from Resolute house at Thomas Aveling School took part in their Santa fun run and were waved, cheered and beeped on by passing motorists.

It is the sixth year the school has organised the run and this year saw the youngest ever competitor take part - four-month-old Oscar Donald.

Dressed in a tiny Santa suit, he joined in the festivities with mum Jenny Mash, subject leader for performing arts, who popped in despite being on maternity leave.

Julia Holdsworth, head of the children’s team, said: “Our annual event just goes from strength to strength, we all have such a fantastic time seeing the students with big smiles, this just kick starts the festive season while raising money for a great cause.”

It was inspired by The Rotary Club’s fun run in Rochester after staff and sixth form students entered and enjoyment it so much.

Melanie Orris, assistant director of learning, said: “The students set off at such a pace I couldn’t keep up with them. As we went round we were singing Christmas songs and everyone had a laugh in the true spirit of Christmas.”

More than £400 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support, Resolute house’s chosen charity, and competitors were welcomed back with hot chocolate, doughnuts and Christmas music.

Rebecca Cross, director of learning, said: “Events like the Santa fun run make us very proud of our students.”

The annual event has raised nearly £4,000 for charities.

For more photos, see today's Medway Messenger.