An Abbots Langley father and daughter donned their Santa suits and ran a 2.5-mile course at the weekend.

The pair took part in this year’s Santa Dash in Hemel Hempstead, which raised money for the Hospice of St Francis.

Hundreds of locals of all ages turned out to kick-start their Christmas at the sixth annual Santa Dash on Sunday.

Ken Rodrigues, who ran alongside his daughter Lucy, 9, from Abbots Langley, said: "This is our third year of doing it and we just love taking part. It’s so much fun and it’s a fantastic way of doing something together and a brilliant way to get you into the Christmas spirit."

MP Mike Penning sounded the klaxon to start the Dash in Riverside, Hemel, at 10am, with sprinters running first, scooters and bikes following hot on their heels and strollers bringing up the rear.

Hemel-born Claire Skinner and star of BBC comedy, Outnumbered, ran the course in just under 40 minutes with her pet Labrador Fred.

She said: "We loved every minute of it. The atmosphere, the laughter, the camaraderie and the positivity were just extraordinary.

"To see such a wonderful mix of people of all ages having fun together and raising money at the same time for a cause which is so close to many of their hearts was fantastic.

"Cars beeped, people waved, cameras flashed. I think they all thought we were mad and I certainly looked it with Fred pulling me round but it really was a privilege to be part of it."