Spitalfields Market was awash with festive penguins waddling through the streets of east London for a worthy cause recently.

The group of 130 penguins were fundraisers dressed in penguin costumes, who braved the cold to raise money for Richard House Children’s Hospice in Beckton.

They decked their costumes out with Christmas lights and tinsel to get in the mood for the 2km fun run around the market.

Richard House patron and DIY garden and builder celebrity, Tommy Walsh, opened the fun run. He said: “I’m proud to be part of Penguin Dash to help raise money for Richard House. Hopefully we will have raised more than �20,000, which goes a long way in helping the charity provide care for children who need it.”

Penguins warmed up to the hit Korean pop song and dance routine – gangnam style in preparation for the fun run and were treated to mulled wine and mince pies on completing the race.

Ben Alonso, events fundraiser at Richard House thanked all those who took part. He said: “Well done to everyone who braved the cold temperatures to take part. This year saw our largest penguin gathering in Old Spitalfields Market to raise �20,000 for Richard House.

“I want to give a special mention to our 16 Santa volunteers who gave up their evening to ensure that our event was a success and to the UCL Girls Rugby Club who sang Christmas carols.”