People of all ages, shapes and sizes, even the family dog, can register to take part in the Hospice of St Francis' two-and-a-half mile run through Hemel Hempstead dressed in a free Santa suit on December 7.

Organiser Fran Martin said: "This is all about fun, it's a great way to do something entertaining as a family and raise money for the hospice at the same time.

"It's the first time we have organised an event like this and the first time that Hemel will see hundreds of santas running through the town! We want everyone to get involved and make this a Christmas moment to remember."

The event is being supported by Chiltern Radio and sponsored by Premier Inn Central, which will give away a free bacon buttie and a cuppa to all santa dashers.

The Snow Centre, off St Albans Hill, is also sponsoring the dash.
Stephen Jordan, technical operations director, said: "Supporting the hospice's santa dash is a perfect fit for the Snow Centre. It would be great to see this event snowball and raise much needed funds for the charity."

It costs £15 for adults, £5 for children or £35 for a family (2 adults and up to 3 children including the dog) to take part.

The hospice is also gearing for its open meeting next Monday (October 13).

Members of the public are invited to join the hospice at Berkhamsted Civic Centre from 7pm to discuss the work the charity does and the people it helps.

BBC Radio 2 presenter and author, Janey Lee Grace, will be the guest speaker on the night.

For more information about either of the above events call 01442 869555.