BRIERLEY Hill was awash with Santas and other festively-dressed runners when the town staged its first-ever Santa Jog at the weekend.

Around 70 hardy joggers braved the blustery weather to take part in the event - held on Saturday December 5 at The Dell Stadium as part of the Brierley Hill Xmas Festival.

The event, which invited people to run, jog or walk in festive fancy dress, included a Kids' Santa Jog (for youngsters under 12) around the Bryce Road athletic track and a 6K Jog along the canal to the offices of Age UK Dudley at The Waterfront.

Organiser Tim Lee said the aim of the event was to get "families and children out and about enjoying a fun event, and to support the Mayor of Dudley's 2015 Brierley Hill based charity More Mascots Please" which helps disabled, disadvantaged and terminally ill children across the Black Country.

The Mayor himself, Councillor Steve Waltho - a keen runner, even donned a Santa suit and took part in the 6K jog; while the Mayoress - Jayne Waltho - started the race and awarded prizes at the end along with medals to all entrants.

Sergeant Alex Sobolewski, of the local policing team, a keen athlete and a triathlon coach, was the fastest finisher - completing the course in 26:05 mins.

While Megan Price and Kerryn Hammond from Dudley Building Society picked up prizes for their eye-catching Christmas present outfits.

Mr Lee said: "There were some great costumes worn by joggers in the 6K Jog.

"Special mention must go to the two Xmas presents from Dudley Building Society (our major sponsors) - and admiration for getting round the course on such a windy day with such wind-resistant costumes - and to the full suited Snowman as well as those joggers who managed to keep their Santa beards on all the way round."

He added: "Everyone felt the event was successful and we should continue to build on it for next year."

As part of the Brierley Hill Xmas Festival people were also invited to adopt an angel on December 5 after hundreds of hand-knitted angels were left dotted around the town.

There was also a Christmas craft fair at Brierley Hill Civic Hall and a chance to meet Santa, a knitivity trail around Brierley Hill High Street, plus a singalong and a family party night at the civic hall in the evening; and on Sunday December 6 a tree of light service was held at Brierley Hill Methodist Church.