FESTIVE fun is in store for everyone who takes part in this year’s Swindon Santa Dash.

Hundreds are expected to enter in the fun run, which is being held at Lydiard Park at 11am on Sunday, December 7.

The event is being organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix, with funds being split between Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group.

There is 5k run and a 3k event with every adult who signs up being given a santa suit, to wear while they take part and children receiving santa hats.

Dogs can even take part, as long as they’re on a lead, and will be given reindeer antlers.

Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group provide support to children, who have the condition, as well as their families.

Kim West, chairman of the society, said: “This is the second year that the Rotary club has supported us and they have contributed thousands to us.

“We are just a group of parents and so we really appreciate the money that companies and organisations raise to help us.

“We’ll certainly be taking part in the Santa dash and lots of the children are really excited to see everyone wearing their Santa suits.”

Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group’s share of the funds will be used to help with a child’s transition to mainstream education.

It will be spent on bringing specialists to schools across the town to help them support children with the condition.

Rebecca de la Bedoyere, Wiltshire Air Ambulance's fundraising manager, said: “We’re so pleased that Swindon Phoenix Rotary Club has chosen to support us again this year. The organisers put so much time and effort into making sure that the event is fun, simple to enter and runs smoothly.

"It’s a great experience and of course, it really makes a difference to us as our charity receives no government or National Lottery funding.

“We can only keep saving lives because communities all over Wiltshire get stuck in and raise money for us. The Santa Run is a fantastic way for people to raise vital funds in a family-friendly event in one of Swindon’s most picturesque parks. We hope people will get involved in what will be a great day.”

As well as getting festive clothing, every participant will be receive a medal to a goodie bag to honour their achievement.

Entrance costs £15 for adults, £5 for children and infants aged under four can take part for free.

On the day, registration will be open between 9.45am and 10.45am.

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to email rtn.paul.parfrey@gmail.com or call 07929 725708.

For further information about the Swindon Santa Fun Run visit www.swindonsanta.org.uk.