It was a festive start to December with the Santa Fun Run which was held this year on Chippenham.

With 300 entries of Santas, elves, grinches and even a Christmas tree, the event was moved from its familiar starting point of Monnow Bridge as the closure of the Inglis Bridge on Osbaston made the usual route unworkable.

The Mayor of Monmouth, Cllr David Evans thanked the Sports Association for the use of their new pavilion and wished the runners well as he set them off on the annual fundraiser organised by the Spirit of Monmouth Running Club.

First runner back was Joe Summers from Llanarth.

A spokesperson for the running club told the Beacon that the club wishes to say “ a big thank you to Monmouth Sports Association for offering their facilities to host the event and their support on the day. Also, big thanks go to the volunteers from Spirit of Monmouth. Without the volunteers we wouldn’t be able to host the event.”

They are hoping to donate in excess of £1,500 to Bridges Centre Monmouth.

The Spirit of Monmouth are starting a Couch 2 5K course in January, and to see their website www.spiritofmonmouth.co.uk for more details.