Santas chase Christmas pudding across Weymouth beach

The runners made their way from the Weymouth Pavilion end of the beach to The Groyne at Greenhill and back again

More than 250 runners dressed as Santa pursued a man in a Christmas pudding costume to raise money for charity.

Organisers have hailed this year's Chase the Pudding event on Weymouth beach the most successful ever.

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.

Will's mum, Pam Govier, said the event had been "brilliant" and had its highest turnout ever.

She said: "So many people came down to watch as well, it was so well supported and had a great atmosphere. It was a great way to start Christmas."

The Will Mackaness Trust charity helps local children take up swimming and water sports.

Following a warm-up session led by a fitness instructor, participants ran the three miles (5km) from the Weymouth Pavilion end of the beach to The Groyne at Greenhill and back again.

Ms Govier, who is also a trustee of the charity in her son's name, said a local business also supplied real Christmas puddings that were handed out to those taking part afterwards.

She said the event, organised with the help of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, was estimated to have raised more than £3,000.

Wey Valley School pupil Will Mackaness died of a brain tumour in 2008