Despite awful weather conditions, the atmosphere was jubilant as thousands of people arrived at the Guildhall Square in Londonderry yesterday morning to take part in 10,001 Santas, one of the largest charity events ever organised in Ireland, and claim the world record for having the most Santas in one place at one time.

Derry's bid was the last in a series of attempts that took place over the last ten days in cities such as Liverpool and Las Vegas.

With 12,842 registrations beforehand, the organisers said there was no doubt that this world record has come to Derry, and with registrations continuing right up to the last moment, the final number is estimated to be over 13,000.

A spokesman said: "The final figure will be officially verified by Guinness within the next few weeks but unofficially it's safe to say that Derry/ Londonderry can now be called Santa City."

Martin Mullan, chief organiser, said: "This day will go down in history. I am the proudest man in the whole world. Many said we'd never do it but the streets of Derry were a sea of red and white, and we proved them wrong.

"We may be a small city compared with Liverpool, Vegas and Glasgow, but people of Derry have a big heart and that's what we have shown the world by achieving this," he added.

"Everyone here is a winner because they believed we could do it and because of the money they have helped raise for our four charities"

The four beneficiaries of the project are Foyle Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, ICARE and Children in Crossfire.

The Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson, who chose 10,001 Santas to be his Christmas Charity, was there to lend his support and was delighted with the numbers taking part.

"This event has brought so many people together to raise money for charity and reflected the true community spirit which this city is renowned for," he said.

"The charities benefiting from the money raised are very important to the region and the spirit, with which everyone has embraced this project and supported it, has been truly uplifting."