OVER 100 runners turned up with children, buggies and dogs to complete the Appleshaw Santa Dash despite the severe cold, torrential rain, wind and snow on Sunday.

The merry village event saw adults dressed as Santas and children dressed as reindeers walking and jogging the 3km course which started and finished at the Walnut Tree pub.

Mayor of Test Valley Councillor Carl Borg-Neal was also seen warming up ahead of the race complete with Santa suit and mayoral chain, and finished near the top despite being unable to hold up his Santa suit trousers at times, a problem encountered by a number of other competitors.

All the proceeds are going towards The Basing Unit at Basingstoke Hospital, and organisers say more than £1,500 will be handed over to the centre which works to make chemotherapy patients as comfortable as possible.

Key organiser Annette Duckett said: “Thanks to Randall Parker for their generous support of the event, together with all other sponsors, providers of raffle prizes and volunteers before and on the day.

“Thanks also to all the runners who registered prior to the event – over 150 in total – with many deciding not to attend due to the adverse weather conditions.”