The annual Liverpool FC Foundation Men’s Health Santa bike ride took place in Liverpool city centre on Sunday.

In partnership with Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust, Breckfield & North Everton Neighbourhood Council (BNENC) and North Liverpool Cycle Project, the festive charity event saw over 290 cyclists dressed as Santas covering a seven-mile route from the Liver Building to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

The cyclists took part in the bike ride to increase their physical activity, help raise awareness of the LFC Foundation’s Men's Health programme, and to bring some festive joy and presents to children staying in the hospital over the Christmas period.

Rather than being asked to raise sponsorship money, participants were asked to each donate a pre-wrapped Christmas gift for a child at Alder Hey.

Christine Mounsey, programme lead for LFC Foundation’s Men’s Health, said: “Year-on-year we see a fantastic turnout for the Santa Cycle. This year the event was open to all Men’s Health participants and their families and it was really great to see them get involved.”

Andrea Cooper, head of the LFC Foundation, said: “The Santa Cycle is a wonderful festive event and is great fun for all ages. It is a fantastic way for the community to spread some Christmas cheer to the children at Alder Hey Hospital and take part in some physical activity well.”