IF you had wandered down to Stanborough Lakes last weekend, you may have seen a few strange sights.

For a fully decorated Christmas tree, numerous reindeers called Rudolph (complete with red noses!) and lots and lots of Santas could be seen running around the WGC beauty spot.

But don’t worry, it wasn’t your Christmas party hangover playing tricks on your mind.

They were all participants in the Isabel Hospice’s annual Jingle Bells and Bows Fun Run.

A total of 320 men, women and children took part, many in festive outfits.

The fancy dress winners were Welwyn woman Sandra Godman, who was the Christmas tree, and Jo Rogers and Sarah Hunt, from WGC, who were presents.

Children’s winners included Lucy Block and Paris Fisher from Ware, as well as Isabella and George Rodosthemous from Great Munden.

An early morning downpour cleared by the time runners took to the start line last Sunday, and there were two races on the day.

First man home in the 11am race was Phil Rice, of WGC, who was part of the John Lewis team, while first woman home was WGC Rosemary Conley diet and fitness club instructor Lindsey Peters.

First youngster was 12-year-old James Deardon.

In the second race, at noon, Ben Arnold from Watton-at-Stone was the first man home, Natalie Jewel from WGC the first woman, and 13-year-old Keir Silvester, from WGC, the first youth over the line.

The hospice hopes the event, which was sponsored by John Lewis, has raised more than �14,000.

Organiser Julie North said: “Thank you to everyone who made the day such a great success.”