There was Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen, and not forgetting Rudolph as more than 800 reindeer runners took to the streets of one Cardiff suburb.

Read more: Crowds warm up for the Whitchurch Reindeer Run

The runners - dressed in antlers and specially designed T-shirts with the names of the runners on the back - were all raising money for the Velindre Cancer Centre, which is based in Whitchurch , Cardiff .

Oliver Richards, four, pictured with his brother William, two

Wales captain Sam Warburton had been due to take part, but his recent injury meant he had to pull out.

Sam Warburton started the race

It didn’t stop him coming along on crutches to support the charity and start the runners, who included local AM Julie Morgan and her former First Minister husband Rhodri.

Rhodri and Julie Morgan took part

The run was one mile from the cancer charity’s headquarters to the nearby centre of Whitchurch where there was an outdoor cinema, streets stalls and live music to entertain.

Crowds warm up

There were even real reindeer who had walked the route earlier in the evening along with Santa and Elsa, from Frozen.

The streets of Whitchurch were packed

And Storm Desmond stayed well away as thousands turned out to cheer on the runners and enjoy the entertainment.

A spot of musical accompaniment

It is the first time that the run has been held and many local people say they would like to see it as a regular event.

Police got in the spirit of the event

Jane Lewis, 32, from Whitchurch, said: “It is great to see the community coming together for such a worthwhile charity. There has been something for all ages.

Families enjoyed a screening of Frozen

"Great fun and really well organised. It would be fantastic if it they held it every year.”

Sam on crutches

One of the organisers said: “It is fantastic to see so many people come out and support the event. There has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes.”