A staggering £18,500 was raised for local charities by last November’s Skipton Santa Fun Run.

The total was announced at a meeting of Skipton Craven Rotary Club when cheques were handed out to local charities.

The main beneficiaries were the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, Martin House Children’s Hospice and Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue, but many other local charities and schools also reaped the rewards of the runners.

Organiser Tony Walton said the help given by the various charities both on the day and in the preparation had been key to its success.

He added: “Thanks to these charities and the help from both Craven District Council and Skipton Town Council, we were able to attract over 800 entrants who were able to enjoy a wonderful Skipton morning running and walking in complete safety.

“We would like to thank all the runners as they exceeded our expectations in the amount of money they raised. We should also like to thank our many sponsors.”

Attending the presentation, Councillor John Roberts, from Craven District Council, said: “What a fantastic event for Skipton and Craven District and a wonderful spectacle seeing the Santas flooding through the town. The Rotary Club of Skipton Craven has done an immense job in doubling the number of entries and raising over £18,500 for the charities.

“Craven District Council and Craven Swimming Pool are proud partners in helping the event to be so successful. We look forward to seeing all the Santas arriving in Aireville Park for the 2012 event.”

Manorlands received £6,900 and its fundraiser Hayley Ibbotson said: “We are delighted and humbled to receive this incredible amount. The Santa Fun Run is a fantastic family event which we are pleased to be associated with. This donation will make a great deal of difference to our patients and their families both at Manorlands Hospice and within the local community.”

Alison Wragg, community fundraiser from Martin House, which received a cheque for £3,000, said: “The Great Skipton Santa Fun Run, organised by Rotary, brings a fantastic ‘feel good’ factor to Skipton and gets the festive season off to a great start. The opportunity to raise all this money for local charities is absolutely marvellous and Martin House is delighted to be a part of this great event.”

Ian Hook, chairman of the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue, was also delighted with the cheque of £2,500 which he said would go a long way towards helping the association continue its work, assisting people and animals in difficulty both above and below ground.

Details and photographs of the fun run are posted on skiptonsanta funrun.com.