SANTA is well-known for his fondness of a sweet treat or two each Christmas.

But visitors to a Bradford park could have been forgiven for doing a double-take this weekend, at the sight of dozens of Father Christmases chasing a human-sized Christmas pudding.

The surreal sight of the city's first Chase the Pud charity fun run came to a frosty Lister Park on Saturday.

About 30 people young and old donned Santa hats, red coats and trousers, black belts and fluffy white beards for the fundraiser, in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Their aim was not just to complete a run of 1km, 3km or 5km, but also to find Craig Reynolds, who had volunteered to dress up as a Christmas pudding and be chased around the park grounds.

The first person to catch him would get the honour of being next year's pudding, and the successful chaser was later revealed as the aptly named Noel Fitzpatrick.

Similar events are held all across the country each year, but this is the first time one has happened in Bradford, thanks to the setting-up of a new fundraising group.

Group chairman Sarah Kenny said they were hoping to raise about £1,000 in entry fees and sponsorship.

She said: "It's more about the fun than the run, and for under 14s its free for them to take part."

Mum Sue Baldev took part with two children - six-year-old Danya and three-year-old Milan, who she pushed in a pushchair.

She said: "It's all for a good cause. It's coming up to Christmas and it's great that the kids can take part as well."

She was joined by friend Tammy Rhodes, who brought along five-year-old Ciara.

Personal trainer Jack Warburton took the festive gathering through a much-needed warm-up, before the run began.

There were also stalls and appearances from Frozen characters Olaf and Anna.