AMID laughter and excitement, the Runcorn Widnes Bridge closed on Sunday for a sea of red runners.

More than 700 volunteers joined this year’s Santa Dash, raising a phenomenal £20,000 for Halton Haven Hospice.

More sponsorship money is still coming in.

Ciaran Clotworthy, hospice events manager, said: “We’re all absolutely thrilled with how things went. To see 700 Santas running over the bridge was absolutely incredible and the weather made the event even more special.

“Every year the event gets bigger and better. The community of Halton never lets us down. The generosity from people is brilliant and the effort people put into their costumes this year was superb.

“A fantastic atmosphere was provided for all which was a great start to the Christmas period.”

The event started with a warm up from DW Sports at Spike Island in Widnes.

The big-hearted funsters, men, women and children, then set off over the bridge to Runcorn old town.

The biggest group taking part were the plodders who had more than 70 entries.

Halton Haven Hospice would like to say a massive thank you to Halton Council, The Brindley, Anthony’s Travel, Runcorn Neighbourhood Team, Community of Youth, Catch 22, St Johns Ambulance and Cheshire Inflatable’s Stage Hire for their generous support.

The hospice is appealing to fundraisers to try and get their sponsorship in by December 21.