Hundreds of festive fundraisers helped a hospital charity today.

Around 500 people took part in the event today and raised an estimated £10,000 for Colchester Hospitals Charity (CoHoC).

The CoHoC is aiming to raise £4.5million to build a cancer centre at Colchester General Hospital. Around £1m has been raised so far.

Caroline Bates, head of fundraising at CoHoC, said: “The Santa Fun Run went really well and everyone had a lovely morning.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers who helped organise the event and everyone who took part.

“There was a generous Christmas spirit; one man donated £1,000 and another person raised £700.”

Fundraisers took on either a 3km (1.9 miles) or a 5km (3.1 miles) fun run challenge and were awarded Santa Fun Run medals.