THEY came, they ran, they jogged, they walked - some even pushed toddlers in prams.

But Uppermill High Street was turned into a colourful mosaic of red and white when a happy tide of a thousand Santa’s took part in a mammoth fund raising mission.

The merry throng, dressed in full Santa costumes, including false beards, were urged on by friends and supporters who shared in the festive fun.

And the delighted organisers from hard-working Saddleworth Round Table praised the community for supporting the sell-out event which raised funds for deserving causes.

Saddleworth Round Table's event organiser David Wood said: "The response to take part in this year’s Santa Dash has been absolutely amazing.

“Building on our success last year when 500 children and adults ran the 2km or 5km course, this year with a thousand entries was absolutely fantastic

“We raised more than £3,500 last year for local good causes and charities and we are confident we’ve smashed that record this year..

“Monies raised will be used to host a cracking Christmas party in January for the elderly residents from a number of Oldham care homes.

“We’ve also been able to make donations to the Saddleworth Olympics, Saddleworth Morris Men, Uppermill Cricket Club and Greenfield Beaver Scouts."

He reserved special praise for Carol Calvert of St John’s ambulance brigade and Oldham Mountain Rescue Team who helped supervise the course.

The action-packed festive family fun day out launched in Uppermill Square.

And scores Santa’s took part in a special “ warm up” dance before the 2km or 5km fun-run began.

That was a prelude to Santa's colourful sleigh pulled by Saddleworth's very own Morris-Men Reindeer along the High Street before a Christmas lights switch-on with carol singing from St Chad's School Choir in front of tree.

The event wrapped-up with a spectacular fireworks display.

The final figure raised for Saddleworth Round Table’s Santa Dash and Winter Wonderland was £6,172.

Santa Dash 2k winners: child: Alex Armistead, Ethan Clarke. Adults: Lauren Green, Brandon Fletcher.

5k winners: child:Alice Cunningham, Charlie Middleton. Adults: Rebecca Avanessian, Ian Jackson.