SOME 400 cheerful, becostumed students and staff from Lord Wandsworth College at South Warnborough, near Odiham, took part in the school’s inaugural Santa Dash on Saturday to raise £2,000 for charity.

Organisers watched the weather forecast avidly as Storm Desmond battered the north of England, but high winds didn’t stop the red and white-clad runners as they raced around the college.

Some pupils pushed their friends on a makeshift sleigh and one pupil, with a broken leg, was pushed around the course in a wheelchair by her friends.

First to finish was marathon runner and head of classics Alex Hamilton, followed closely by the fastest boy, upper sixth-former Sam Beckett, and the fastest girl, third-form pupil Emily Harris.

Hot chocolate and mince pies afterward ensured everyone warmed up sufficiently to return to lessons, with a festive spring in their step.

The money will go to the the Lord Wandsworth College Foundation, which seeks to help children who have lost the support of one or both parents through death, divorce or separation and require a caring and supportive boarding environment in which to thrive. Since 1912, the Foundation has supported more than 3,000 young people.