CHRISTMAS came early for fundraising Rudolphs as they stampeded their way through Colchester in a reindeer dash.

More than 250 walked, ran or galloped through Castle Park yesterday dressed as reindeer to raise money for St Helena Hospice.

Participants were given antlers and flashing noses, while some went one step further and donned their own furry reindeer onesies.

The huge pack of fundraisers set out from the bandstand and completed 1km or 5km around the park.

Fliss Strode, event manager, said: “It was an incredible sight to see them all setting off.

“This is the first year we’ve done the reindeer dash, so we are delighted with how it went and how popular it has been, but we want it to be an annual event and grow each year.

“It was very family oriented and the kids loved every second of it.”

Father Christmas handed out presents to children taking part.