CHRISTMAS came early in Minehead on Sunday when a steady stream of Santas raced their way down Seaward Way and along the seafront in aid of a host of good causes.

Some 65 men, women and children pulled on Santa suits to take part in a fundraising festive spectacular organised by the Rotary Club of Minehead and the Quantocks.

Competitors were able to choose between a five miles Santa Fun Run course or a shorter, one and a half-mile Santa Saunta, which both started and finished at the West Somerset Leisure Centre.

Runners and walkers were asked to collect sponsorship in aid of their favourite charities and also for the Rotary club's own appeal to help people in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

Delia Paveling, president of the club, said the fun run and saunta had been a huge success, as had the Rotary's annual Christmas fair which was held on the same day at the nearby college.

"Over 200 people came to the Christmas fair and the 65 Santas of all ages saw motorists smile and hoot as they made their way down Seaward way towards the seafront.

"Congratulations to everyone, especially those who completed the course as a personal challenge to raise money for various charities," Mrs Paveling said.

The events raised more than £1,500 before expenses, while money is still being collected from the runners and walkers.

"We know of at least one runner who has raised over £100 in sponsorship.

"We are also grateful to Minehead Middle School where they held a collection which they will be donating to the Rotary appeal and we are told this is over £200," she said.

Two Rotarians held a further collection in Minehead's Butlins holiday resort on Saturday, raising another £256 to add to the £2,305 already raised.

Mrs Paveling said the club was confident it would reach its target of raising £4,000 to buy Water Survival Boxes to send to the Philippines.

She also appealed to fun run and saunta participants who missed the certificate and medal presentations to get in touch to claim their awards.

Mrs Paveling can be contacted by phoning 01643 706515 while more information about the club is available on the website http://www.minehead.Rotaryweb.org">www.minehead.Rotaryweb.org.

She thanked everyone who had supported the events and the appeal, as well as the volunteer marshals from Minehead Lions Club and Minehead Running Club and sponsors Thorne and Segar Solicitors.

Results in this week's Free Press.