A GROUP of hardy runners braved cold temperatures and muddy conditions for a festive fun run.

Families tackled this year's Santa's Sludge Run, at Parkwood Off-Road Centre, Tong, dressed up to the nines in Christmas-themed fancy dress.

Participants dressed as Father Christmas and his Elves could run 5k, or do two laps of the route, which was filled with muddy puddles and obstacles to navigate.

Events organiser Rachael Jackson said the event, now in its second year, had been a roaring success with 80 people taking part.

She said: "It went really, really well. It was definitely successful and we've done well compared to last year.

"Everybody loved it and said they had an absolutely fantastic time.

"It was quite challenging, with plenty of mud. Everyone was absolutely filthy and drenched."

She added the event would definitely return next year.