FESTIVE runners have raised a record-breaking total of more than £35,000 for a range of Berkshire charities.

The annual Santa Run, which saw hundreds of people take to the streets on December 4 last year, has collected £35,333 from the 2016 fundraising campaign.

Daisy's Dream and counselling support service - No. 5 - were the two main partners of the Reading Santa Run, with both charities set to receive five-figure sums.

Run by the Rotary Club of Reading, event organiser David Gibbins said he was delighted with the fundraising total and he added plans for this year's race are already in motion.

David said: "We have been blown away by the continued support for the Santa Run. It is an event that targets local charities and I think that is why it did so well this year and why it continues to attract hundreds of runners.

"We had a record number of runners this year, with over 1,500 people taking part. There is a lot of planning that goes into an event of this nature.

"We have to get permission from Reading Borough Council and Reading Buses for all the road closures.

"A provisional date has already been set for this year. We are suggesting Sunday, December 10."

Children coping with bereavement through Daisy's Dream will receive £11,000 from the Santa Run, while No.5's counselling support for young people will be boosted by £10,600 of funding.

Runners dressed as Santa, as well as reindeers and elves, flooded the streets of Reading for the 5k run in the town centre last year, with dozens of other local charities at the heart of the fun run.

Smartworks Reading, Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Reading Association for the Blind all received sums ranging from £750 to £1,700, while £5,000 will be held by the Rotary Club to distribute throughout the year.