MORE than 200 Santas failed to catch a Christmas pud when it led them on a six kilometre run around Knavesmire.

This year's annual Catch the Pud race organised by the British Heart Foundation was the biggest yet.

Last year's winner Stuart Smith of Pocklington Runners dressed in a Christmas pud outfit acted as hare to 211 Santas of all ages and managed to stay in front throughout the run.

His reward will be to don the same outfit at next year's Catch the Pud race in early December 2015.

Phil McMadon, vice chairman of the charity's York group, said: "We had a little bit of rain before anyone had arrived, but then it was lovely and sunny. I think everyone had a really good time."

The Lord Mayor Cllr Ian Gillies attended the start to judge a fancy dress competition and to send the runners, including several children dressed in Satan outfits, on their way. The Santas could choose between a 3km and a 6km run, with children generally running the shorter distance.

The fun run raises money for the charity, but is organised more to encourage people to get involved in healthy activity than to generate funds.