NEARLY 200 Santas made a run for it in Appleshaw's annual Santa Dash on Sunday, December 3.

The dash is a family event consisting of a 3k route that is run, walked or jogged by entrants in Santa suits, and other Christmas-themed fancy-dress, starting and ending at the Walnut Tree pub.

The event raised money for the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, the Walnut Tree’s charities of the year.

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First over the line was teenager Jonah Williams, greeted on arrival by the Mayor of Test Valley Cllr Phil Lashbrook to congratulate the runners. 

Entertainment for the dash was provided by singer Kim Garner, the owner and founder of The Memory Choir organisation, which works to support the wellbeing of people living with dementia through singing as a group.

"It was a joyous spectacle," said a spokesperson for the Walnut Tree Community Events Committee.

They added: "We'd like to thank Pilgrim's UK for supporting the event, it was a wonderful day!"