Hundreds take part in 'Chase the Pudding' run

More than 200 people have taken part in a festive run to raise money for a charity which provides water sport opportunities for young people.

The 10th annual Chase the Pudding event saw runners dressed as Santa chase people in Christmas pudding costumes for three miles (5km) along Weymouth beach in Dorset.

The annual festive fundraiser is in aid of a charity set up in memory of local student Will Mackaness, who died of a brain tumour in 2008, aged 16.

Pam Govier, from The Will Mackaness Trust, said it "was a wonderful atmosphere" and they "raised about £3,000".

'Confidence and resilience'

"For me, it is the start of Christmas," she said.

Runners went from the pavilion end of Weymouth Beach to the stones at Greenhill and back.

For participants under the age of 14, there was a 1.2 mile (2km) Chase The Elf option.

The money will be used to provide water sport opportunities for young people in Weymouth and Portland.

"It's wonderful to see them develop not only their water sports skills but their confidence and resilience, which will help them in their futures," Ms Govier said.