HE might be a bit early, but Santa Claus has come to town – and he brought hundreds of festive friends with him.

The streets of Andover were filled with Yuletide cheer as hundreds of residents donned their red costumes and white beards to take part in the annual Santa Fun Run.

Christmas shoppers in the town were given a festive surprise when more than 250 people pulled on their Father Christmas suits and set off on the mile-long route, which started and finished at Andover Leisure Centre.

The Santa stampede even welcomed animals, with a number of family pooches tackling the route alongside their owners.

The colourful event was organised by Valley Leisure, the charitable trust that runs Andover Leisure Centre.

Jess Browning, from Valley Leisure, said: “The Santa Fun Run is one of the highlights of the Christmas calendar. It was great to see so many local people taking part.

“We were particularly impressed by the 46 people who all came from the Scorpion Judo Club in Middle Wallop.

“It was a magical, if somewhat slightly surreal, day and it brought a great buzz to the town.”

Money raised from Sunday’s event will be divided between Andover Leisure Centre and two other charities – 3Smiles, a Valley Leisure trust that hosts activities for children with disabilities and learning difficulties, and the SSAFA (formerly known as the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) which helps former and serving members of the armed forces.

Check tomorrow's Andover Advertiser to see more pictures from the event.