SANTAS, elves and even dinosaurs were spotted racing on a West Cumbrian lake.

The annual Santa Splash saw eight teams battling it out in a Canadian canoe race from Derwentwater’s marina as part of Keswick’s Christmas celebrations.

Teams from Kong Adventure, Calvert Trust, George Fisher, Allerdale Borough Council, Keswick Mountain Festival, Keswick YHA, Theatre by the Lake and Keswick Tourism Association took to the water and raced around a course set out by the team from Derwentwater Marina.

The event was part of Keswick Live Advent, which is organised by Keswick Tourism Association and Allerdale Borough Council and is now in its fifth year.

Crowds of spectators watched and after a rather bumpy start everyone made it round with the George Fisher team, dressed as dinosaurs, crossing the line in first place followed by Keswick Mountain Festival and Calvert Trust.

Anne Cornthwaite, chairman of the Keswick Tourism Association, presented the winners trophy before switching on the Theatre by the Lake’s Keswick Live Advent window.

She said: “It’s been another fantastic event. Everyone had so much fun and the weather was kind to us again this year. We are very grateful to Derwentwater Water Marina for helping us to put the event on and to the Lakeside Café for sponsoring the event this year.”

Other Keswick Live Advent events that have taken place this week include a craft day at Keswick YHA, food tasting at Booths, story telling at Hope Park Café with Whinlatter FC and scarf tying at Alexandra’s of Keswick.

There are a host of events still to come including carol singing, a festive run and virtual reality experiences.

Joe Broomfield, of Allerdale council, said: “We look forward to welcoming both residents and visitors to this year’s Live Advent. There is definitely something there for everyone and we are thrilled to be showcasing our new virtual reality experiences as part of Live Advent on Thursday, December 13.” For more information visit visitkeswick.com/keswick-live-advent