HUNDREDS of Santas from across the region stepped out in force to help boost two good causes.

Special runs took place yesterday in Ipswich and Lowestoft for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) Treehouse Appeal.

Meanwhile in Colchester they were taking part in aid of Colchester Hospitals Charity.

Organisers of the Ipswich race hope to eventually raise about �15,000 after nearly 500 runners took part in a Santa Run around the town’s Waterfront.

The first across the finishing was keen runner Ben Churchman, 26, from Mellis, near Eye.

He was barely breaking into a sweat as he collected a medal from EACH chief executive Graham Butland.

He said: “I enjoy running and this is a very good cause – I’ve enjoyed it.”

Mr Butland was delighted by the response of the public – which was helped by near-perfect conditions.

“We have had great weather, great support, and overall it has been a great event,” he said.

This year’s event is the fourth in the town in the run-up to Christmas – but the first around the Waterfront. In the past they have been around Christchurch Park.

The Treehouse Appeal is aiming to raise �3million to build and equip a new hospice in Ipswich to care for youngsters in Suffolk and north Essex.

Elsewhere more than 150 people took part in Colchester Hospitals Charity’s very first Santa Run through the town’s Castle Park.

Fun runners, walkers, strollers and families all tackled the 3km course – raising cash for another vital signs monitor for Colchester General Hospital’s children’s unit, which will cost �6,500.

Caroline Bates, fundraising manager for Colchester Hospitals Charity, said the sponsorship money was still flooding in.

“We’re not sure how much we’ve raised but it went really well,” she said. “It was absolutely fantastic and we have already been asked if we will be doing the same next year.

“I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped with the event and all those who turned out. It has been a great success.”

The fundraiser was sponsored by construction company Kier and fellow building specialists Yorkon, who have just finished a brand new children’s unit at Colchester General Hospital.