WORLD champion gymnast Beth Tweddle swung in to action when she started the Ho! Ho! Hope House Santa Run.

Beth, from Bunbury, waved off more than 1,000 runners dressed as Santa on the two-and-a-half mile race through Oswestry.

The 21-year-old became the first British gymnast to win a World Championship gold medal with her uneven bars routine in Denmark last month.

The Santa run raised more than £30,000 for terminally ill children and their families who visit Hope House Children's Hospices, many of whom live in Cheshire.

'It was wonderful that Beth came along and joined in the fun on the day. Who better to inspire so many budding athletes than one of the world's best gymnasts?' said Claire Bedford, from Hope House.

'She got the Santas off to a flying start despite the wind and the rain.'