Hundreds of Santas took part in a charity dash along the seafront.

Youngsters and grandads alike donned silly Santa suits for the annual 5km run.

Runners got a free bespoke suit and medal to take home after the festive event, which was in aid of Brighton charity Pass It On Africa, which helps to build schools in some of the poorest communities in Africa.

A spokesman for the event said: “Some people may be facing a pretty tough Christmas this year.

“I reckon the least we can all do is chuck on a Santa suit, run 5km, raise some money and in doing so put a few more smiles on faces this Christmas.”

Racers trying to get their personal best on the nice, flat route were advised to make sure that their beards and Santa trousers were safely secured before take-off.

The race cost £15 to enter.

Every Santa was encouraged to try to raise a minimum of £20 for the cause.

A free 400m kids’ race was held ahead of the main event at 10.20am.

The adult run started and finished 500 metres up from the Peace statue opposite Adelaide Crescent.

The course headed west up the Seafront Esplanade for 2.5k.

Once at Hove Lagoon it turned around and headed back to the finish line. Pass It On Africa, formerly Passing It On, was born in September 2004 after two friends thought that it would be fun to dress up as superheroes and run around Dublin to raise money for Kenyan children.

Seven years later the pair have helped to build and support schools through dinners, auctions and Batman v Robin rugby matches.

Last year more than £50,000 was raised by the charity.