MORE than 400 runners joined in a Santa Dash in Victoria Park this morning - and they needed those red and white woolly hats to keep them warm in the icy weather.

The run, organised by St Helens Sports Development, involved a 2.4-mile loop of the park.

And it drew plenty of families, including mums with pushchairs, parents with toddlers, and casual joggers.

The competitors created a sea of red and white as they snaked up and down the park’s slopes.

A bitterly cold wind meant temperatures were freezing for runners - and rain showers started shortly after the competitors set off.

St Helens Star:

There was an array of costumes too, with Santas, elves and Christmas jumpers all on show.

The first runners over the finish line were eight-year-old Bobby Birkett and his dad Chris, 40, of Grange Park.

Afterwards, Chris, who works in housing for St Helens Council, said: “It was great to see the turnout for the event.

“It was cold but not as cold as the parkrun that we did here earlier in the morning!”

Did you take part in the Santa dash today? We'd love to see your pictures.