If you stumbled upon live reindeer and a crowd of Father Christmases in Oxford city centre this week, then fear not, your eyes were not deceiving you.

The festive event in Broad Street was part of a bid to drum up support — and runners — for a Santa Fun Run due to take place on December 7.

The two-mile run is in aid of Helen and Douglas House hospice and Fox FM's Help an Oxfordshire Child campaign.

It is the second year the event has been held, with last year's two-mile jog attracting more than 700 runners dressed in traditional Father Christmas outfits.

Despite battling against pouring rain and strong winds, runners managed to collect more than £30,000 for the two charities.

Helen and Douglas House events manager Fiona Evans said: "It proved incredibly popular last year and I would encourage anyone wanting to join in to book now, while places are still available.

"It is a fun day for all the family and a great excuse to run through Oxford in a Santa suit and raise money for a good cause."

For an entry fee of £12 for adults, £6 for children, and £25 per family of two adults and two children, runners will be supplied with their Santa suit.

Helen and Douglas House hospice, in Magdalen Road, was the world's first children's hospice and has helped thousands of sick and dying children and young people since it opened in 1982.

It costs more than £4m a year to run, or £11,000 to run the entire charity for a day.

  • To book your place on the run, go to helenanddouglas.org.uk/running to register online or call the hospice on 01865 799150.