The annual Santa Fun Run saw a record 495 Mr and Mrs Santas, baby Santas and even doggie Santas taking part in the festive fundraising event.

The charge up Monnow Street was led by a bee on a bicycle which gave a clue to one of the charities the event was supporting this year.

Benefitting from the coloured spectacle was the Monmouth-based Bees for Development who have has helped get Monmouthshire to become more bee-friendly and help halt the decline of pollinating insects. The charity arranges the Monmouth Bee Festival each June, runs courses in beekeeping, and runs the unique Bee Shop.

Nicola Bradbear said they were "absolutely delighted to have this local support on this lovely sunny morning which is nice for everybody.

Organisers put the fun into fun run by awarding prizes for best dressed santas, elves, reindeer, presents or anything else Christmassy.

Taking part in her tenth Santa fun run was Naomi Crook, pictured right, who has managed to complete the course every year and now has the entry number of ’1’.

"I’ve got all 10 medals from previous runs," she told the Beacon.

"I don’t know whether I will be doing it next year but it was a fantastic run, I really enjoyed it, I did it with my friend Mary."

The route is a 2.1-kilometre flat family friendly fun run / walk / push suitable for all ages and levels of fitness and takes place on closed roads.

Last year the event raised over £2,000. Each year, a member of the running club chooses and local charity to receive any profits from the event.  

This year the fun run also supported the Monmouth and District Foodbank once again. Tins or long shelf life produce were brought along on the day.Â