At least 650 locals dressed in their best Santa outfits, rode from Vincentia Public School to The Huskisson on Jervis Bay to raise money for the local Rural Fire Brigade.

It was a successful year for the ride with $8000 raised and the rain held off for the riders, who were led by a big, red Huskisson Rural Fire Brigade truck.

The siren blared down the streets filled with men, women and children cheering on the joyful Santas who shouted “Merry Christmas” as they passed.

One group of riders said they had travelled all the way from Bathurst for the annual charity ride.

“This is our third year attending this ride. We are dedicated,” they said.

Another couple said they had purchased their electric bicycle specifically for the 2013 Charity Santa Ride.

Charity Santa Ride volunteer organiser Able Walsh said this year was one of the biggest years they’ve had.

“We were aiming for 1000 people and $10,000 this year but the weather may have put a few people off,” Mr Walsh said.

“Next year we are hoping to make the ride even bigger and better.

“The local businesses have been very helpful. We sold $2000 worth of raffle tickets last night and all the prizes were donated.

“All of the money raised goes directly to the Huskisson Rural Fire Brigade,” he said.

For more information on the Charity Santa Ride visit www.santaride.com.au or find the ride on Facebook and get a head start for next year’s ride.