This is why dozens of Santas were splashing around in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Canal and River Trust, the waterways and wellbeing charity which cares for 2,000 miles of the nation’s canals, organised the Santa Splash from Viaduct Road to Wyther Lane along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

It follows last year’s successful event in Liverpool and saw the Santas either canoeing or walking the route.

As well as spreading festive cheer along the way, the event was designed to encourage young people and those living close to the canal to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of being by water.

At the finish, the paddlers and walkers warmed up with free hot food and drink at the Kirkstall Bridge Inn.

This Santa Splash event is part of the Trust’s Desmond Family Canoe Trail.

Funded by a £1.3 million grant from the Desmond Foundation, the 162-mile trail starts in Liverpool, follows Britain’s longest canal, the Leeds and Liverpool, links into the Aire and Calder Navigation and reaches the east coast at Goole.