HUNDREDS of Santa's of all ages participate in the eight annual run from Old Trafford football ground.

The bearded crowds were set off by former Manchester United player Bryan Robson.

More than1,200 red clad runners braved the unpredictable December weather to take part in the festive event to raise money for the club's foundation and other charities of their choice.

The former Reds captain, Robson, started the 5K more serious Santa Run, a route which took runners past the sights of the Imperial War Museum, The Lowry and MediaCityUK before entering the football ground and crossing the finish line at the players’ tunnel.

Robson was then joined by Coronation Street star Antony Cotton to set off the 2K family fun runners.

Robson said: “All the players and ex-players try and support the foundation as much as we can and the Santa run is a really enjoyable event that has grown and grown over the last eight years. It’s always great when the fans come down to enjoy themselves and do their best for charity.”

Antony Cotton, who has been a keen supporter of the Foundation for many years, said, “The Foundation does amazing work and I’m delighted to attend year in year out. It’s a proper family event, from grandparent to little kids; even the pet dog turns up.”

Other Christmas activities taking place around the stadium included a brass band playing favourite festive tunes, the foundation's street dance crew performing ahead of each race and Father Christmas was giving out early Christmas gifts in his grotto.

Amongst the runners of the 2K family run were Caroline Swarbrick and her family from Bury. She said, “I’ve run since it started eight years ago, I do it for the

She concluded, “The best part about the event is that we’re all running together and we’re all here for one purpose. It’s just a fantastic occasion and part of my family’s Christmas calendar, we’re always first to sign up”