Hundreds of people donned their Santa outfits and took part in an annual park run to raise money for a learning disability charity.

The Watford Mencap Santa Dash has so far brought in more than £5,000 with the figure expected to rise as donations are totalled up.

Almost 400 runners took part, including a number of politicians and community heroes, with Watford MP Richard Harrington embracing his role as official starter for both the 1k and 5k races.

He said: “Thanks to Watford Mencap for organising this Santa Dash in Cassiobury Park, raising money for a fantastic cause.

“I was pleased to see so many people made such an effort with their Santa costumes, and thankfully the rain stayed away. A great show of community spirit. I'm looking forward to next year's already.”

Watford’s Conservative Mayoral candidate George Jabbour was one of those to take part, going all out with an authentic ‘Santa belly’ as party of his costume.

Organisers expressed their gratitude to all who braved the cold weather and took on the course for the cause.

Kiran Grover from Watford Mencap described the event as the “best one yet” and said everyone at the charity was really pleased with how things went.