A HUGE squad of Santas descended on York’s Knavesmire in pursuit of a Christmas pudding to raise funds for the fight against heart disease.

Hundreds of people donned the British Heart Foundation’s Father Christmas outfits or festive fancy dress to walk, jog or run a one or two-lap route for the annual fundraising event yesterday, which this year had an extra element.

For the first time, the Santas chased a Christmas pudding around the course, with York Triathlon Club member Mark Harney, a regular supporter of the event, taking the role of the Yuletide dessert.

“The club has supported the British Heart Foundation’s annual Santa walk and fun run over the years and we were really pleased to have an official role this year – it’s a great way to kickstart the Christmas festivities,” said club chairman Terry Lightfoot, whose members took time out before a training session to join the run. All money raised from York Chase The Pud 2013 will help fund the BHF’s research.