CHRISTMAS came early in Minehead when the town was besieged by more than 50 Santas and a host of festive shoppers at the weekend.

The Santas were all suited and booted for the inaugural Minehead Rotary Christmas Fair Santa Fun Run and Santa Saunta to raise money for a host of good causes.

While bargain hunters were able to browse a variety of stalls at a bumper Christmas fair held at the West Somerset Community College, runners and saunta entrants were braving the elements for either a two miles run or a shorter, one and a half miles amble around Minehead Cricket Club, along nearby footpaths and back to the college through Seaward Way.

Organisers said the weather failed to dampen the runners' spirits and the event had been a big success.

Rotarian David Paveling said passing motorists had sounded their horns to show their support while runners had ranged from pre-school youngsters to pensioners.

"I was amazed at the laughter and good spirits as people braved the rain and had a go," he said.

"This was the first time we have held a Santa Fun Run and we are really pleased at the way the folks of Minehead and local schools responded.

"We will definitely be doing it again next year."

Everyone who took part collected sponsorship for rotary-designated cancer charities but were also able to share up to 50 per cent of their fundraising total with charities or clubs of their own choice.

All entrants received a certificate, while special Santa medals were presented to the first three finishers in each age category.

Event organise Delia Paveling added: "There was a lovely atmosphere on the day.

"Feedback from the stall holders was very positive, with comments that the family fun element added to the festive feeling."

Members of the community college's Interact Club, a form of junior rotary club, made and iced fairy cakes, Minehead Eye volunteers did face painting and local churches organised a living nativity with the chance for people to be photographed in costumes from the Christmas story.

Mrs Paveling also thanked other organisations for supporting the day, including Minehead Lions club, Minehead Running Club, Quantocks Rotary Club, Minehead Cricket Club and the community college.

Pictures from the day and full fun run results are available on the Rotary Club of Minehead website at http://www.minehead.rotaryweb.org">www.minehead.rotaryweb.org.

RESULTS (in 1, 2, 3 order)

First school boys - James Godfrey, Josh Green, Jack Lewis; first school girls - Daisy-Grace Foster, Beth Cutler, Lily Ayres; middle school boys - Toby Morris, Archie Campbell, Joseph Lintern; middle school girls - Libi Todd, Chloe Henley, Megan Lewis; adult male - Kevin Green, George Henley, Tim Griffin; adult female - Joan Dyke, Nicola Spicer, Becky Chamberlain; senior adult male - Eric Kidner, Ken Hirons; Santa Saunta - Dexter Lintern, Margaret Moulder, Amber Lintern.

Photos: Steve Guscott