We're all going very silly for Santa!

Dress Up Silly for Santa at OASIS Academy, Oldham. Barbara Dale is the Turkey, Snowman Nicola Sweatman

6 More Image(s) In Gallery

AN INCREDIBLE inflatable turkey and snowman costume helped Oasis Academy Oldham to the top prize in this year's "Dress Up Silly for Santa" competition.

The fundraising day, which took place on Friday, saw businesses, schools and community groups swap their usual attire for fantastic festive fashion to raise money for Action Oldham Fund.

Dozens donned silly Santa Claus suits, reindeer antlers and Christmas knitwear for the day to spread festive cheer and raise money for the charity, which awards grants to projects in the local area.

However, it was the spectacular costumes of turkey Barbara Dale and snowman Nicola Sweatman that earned them the coveted "Best Dressed Silly Santa" across Oldham.

There were also strong efforts from Dave Sedgewick, of SportsPhysio UK, who dressed as a pile of presents, and cute Linus Lancashire, daughter of Liz Lancashire of Owl Marketing, who sported a Christmas pudding hat and necklace made from sprouts.

This year even pets had the chance to get involved in the occasion and it was cute dog-elf Percy the Beagle from Housing Care 21 who won the first ever Best Dressed Pet award.

Clare Taylor, Action Oldham Fundraiser, said: "What a tremendous effort across the borough to spread some cheer, raise money for local good causes and ensure this year's Dress Up Silly for Santa reached new height of silliness.

"It's great to see more schools and companies on board this year, and wonderful to see the event becoming established as a fun way to give to the smaller local charitable group which we support.

"People have gone above and beyond, breaking all bar of silliness this year, from inflatable turkey outfits, dogs dressed as snowmen, to jingle bells decorated beards.

"Action Together want to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined in and donated to the Action Oldham Fund.

"That's more to give out to local good causes in our neighbourhood, it's only together that we can transform Oldham!"

Also taking part in the event included Staff Oldham, Pearson Solicitors, Oldham Library and Web Applications UK, who all donned festive jumpers, tinsel and gleeful glasses for the occasion.

Restaurants Jack's Smokehouse and Nando's along with Rhode Island Coffee and Tesco stores also joined in with the fun with their fundraising outfits.

Molino Lounge, at Oldham's Old Town Hall development, also joined in the silliness.

It follows the restaurant supporting Action Oldham Fund during their first month of trading by donating 50p from every burger and 10p from every coffee sold to Action Oldham Fund, raising £338.

Mike Butler, operations manager, Loungers said: "We're delighted to have raised this amount for such a worthy cause.

"The team at Molino Lounge is looking forward to becoming part of the community and will support local groups and initiatives wherever possible." The team will also be holding regular fundraising events as part of Loungers' commitment to making a difference in the community.

A community notice board is available for those wanting to publicise events and a book swap area is kept well stocked.

Clare Taylor, Action Oldham Fund said "We are thrilled Molino Lounge launched with us as their chosen charity.

"They have wholehearted supported us so far and have some great ideas to raise funds for the groups we support across the borough."