Santa hats decorated school halls and playgrounds during the great Jingle Bell Jog!
Around 8,000 youngsters took part in the festive fundraiser in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.
A total of 38 schools and nurseries held runs, walks, swims and dances in the countdown to Christmas.
Their efforts made the event a big success with generous sponsorship from family and friends making it a happier Christmas for patients who benefit from their donations.
More than £250,000 has been raised in total from this seasonal campaign since it began in 2017.
Fallibroome Academy pupils ready for the Jingle Bell Jog.
Past themes have included an Elf Run and a Reindeer Rush.
This year promises to be one of the best on record, according to the Hospice community and events fundraiser Sarah Elvin.
She said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to our Jingle Bell Jog. Everyone has made a great effort and embraced the Christmas spirit.
Fallibroome students dodge the rain dressed as Christmas trees
“Demand was so high we almost ran out of Santa hats.
“This event raised £47,000 last year and it could be even more this Christmas.
“It’s our biggest fundraising event of the year after our Christmas tree collection and we thank everyone for supporting us.”
The beavers group from 8th Macclesfield group took part, as did children’s nurseries.
Pupils from Bollinbrook CE Primary School went round Macclesfield town centre with collection buckets.
Around 1,500 pupils from Fallibroome Academy wore Christmas fancy dress in another massive show of support for the Hospice.
One of the school’s late teachers was cared for by the Hospice.
Fancy dress from Fallibroome pupils to support East Cheshire Hospice.
Sixth formers joined fellow students for the first time on the track at Macclesfield Leisure Centre.
The Academy raised almost £8,000 a year ago and was on course to match that total.
Fallibroome has always taken part, raising a staggering £49,180 even before their latest endeavours.
Fallibroome raised a record £12,000 for various charities this year, including a sponsored walk as part of its partnership with a South African primary school.
Pupils visited Cape Town in October to see how the funds are spent.
A musical backdrop helped inspire kind-hearted youngsters from Dean Valley Primary School in their Jingle Bell Jog for East Cheshire Hospice.
Every class ran round the grounds of the Bollington school at the same time for half an hour as favourite Christmas songs played in the background.
Dean Valley Primary School pupils join in the festive fun.
Head teacher Vicky McPherson said: “Pupils have been busy asking adults at home to sponsor them, helping raise vital funds for the Hospice.
“Children ran to their favourite Christmas tunes to keep energy levels high and spirits even higher.
“The school is proud to support the Hospice, an organisation close to many hearts in the community.
“Over the years, friends, colleagues, parents and loved ones connected to the school have benefited from the Hospice’s exceptional care and support.
Dean Valley students get into the Santa spirit.
“We’re thrilled to have taken part. The children were excited, motivated and ready to make a difference. We’re incredibly proud of their enthusiasm.”
* The Hospice is gearing up for its Christmas tree collection on January 10 and 11.
This will be the 26th year of the scheme which has generated more than £2m for the Hospice.
Jogging for charity … Dean Valley take part in the Jingle Bell Jog.
The majority of trees are recycled into biomass fuel. Registrations are open via www.echtrees.org.uk.
Supporters can contribute via the site even if they have an artificial tree. For queries email echtrees@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 708939.
A total of 7,324 trees were collected last January, raising £160,000 for the care of patients and their families