SUNDAY’S Santa Fun Run was a blur of beards, hats and red suits with a sell-out field of more than 1,800 frolicking in the late autumnal sun.

This phenomenal number of runners is by far the highest since the event’s inauguration eight years ago.

With the organisers – Skipton Craven Rotary Club – emphasising the fun element, leader Brian Stott was delighted with the success.

He said: "It was extremely rewarding for all the effort put in by the club’s members, fellow Rotarians, family and friends the fun run’s sponsors, the local councils and the promotion provided by the local media, including the Craven Herald, other publications and the local radio station.

"It seems like the whole of Skipton was embracing and celebrating this annual fun event, with everyone turning out to wave on the runners, Bizzie Lizzies giving discounts to runners, a water point being provided by the Albion, gifts of porridge by Sue Ryder, free mince pies from Morrisons and even two bands providing free entertainment.

"Both bands joined the fun – the Loud Minority Samba Band getting people to dance by the Two Sisters and the Dales Jam providing a jamming session, first in Coach Street and then moving with the runners to Belmont Bridge.

"Is the Fun Run becoming the Skipton Winter Carnival?"

A hugely important aspect of the day was the amount of money raised for local charities, which is expected to be the highest amount ever, exceeding the £40,000 generated in 2014 and making a total of more than £220,000 to date. The nominated beneficiaries are Sue Ryder Manorlands and Yorkshire Cancer Research, with Rotary’s and runners' own choices of many smaller charities also benefitting.

This fantastic Santa Fun Day is the first event of the club’s extensive programme of Christmas festivities, and will soon be followed by the Santa Sleigh Runs, whereby Santa and his elves visit nearly all the streets of Skipton, Embsay, Carleton and Bradley with their illuminated sleigh and Christmas music.

Mr Stott added: "While the Santa Fun Run gets better every year, the club recognises tmore and younger members are needed to inject new ideas and provide the impetus that makes the fun run one of Skipton’s major annual events. Because of this, the club is also launching a recruitment drive for new members. Visit skiptoncravenrotaryclub.co.uk for details on the sleigh runs and membership application."