SPRINTING Santas raised £1,600 for two Inverclyde charities in a fun Christmas race in the rain.

Greenock Wanderers ladies rugby team organised a socially-distanced Santa Dash around Greenock, with 15 players making their way around the west end, along to Battery Park and the Esplanade cheered along the way by members of the public.

The squad usually organise a toy drive at Christmas time but as coronavirus restrictions are still in place, they decided to do something else this year to raise funds.

Captain Beverley Addison spearheaded the fundraising effort - and through sponsorship and donations, the 5k raised £500 for Children in Poverty.

Squad member Mellissa Hutcheson also led the team in raising money for Ardgowan Hospice and managed to generate £1,100 for the cause.

Beverley says that despite the challenges posed by coronavirus in 2020, she and her team-mates were determined to still raise money.

She said: "We normally run the toy drive but the logistics of it were going to be just too difficult this year in terms of Covid regulations.

"We decided that we would raise some money instead.

"I can honestly say I've never experienced anything like running in an inflatable Santa suit!

"It was a fitness challenge for all of us and great fun."

Beverley, 27, said the team are very grateful to everyone who donated.

She added: "We really didn't anticipate raising this amount so we're thrilled.

"We'd like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who has donated.

"I'm so grateful to the girls for giving up their time to do it in such poor weather.

"It really does mean a lot to us to use our amazing team to give something back to two fantastic charities."

*The fundraising page remains open and you can make a pledge at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carolanne-calderwood1

PICS BY GARY BRADLEY (by-line required).