ORGANISERS of the charity Swindon Santa Dash are hoping the public gets in the festive spirit to take part.

Hundreds are expected to enter the annual 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.

Organiser Paul Parfrey said: “We are looking forward to holding another great event this year. We’ve received a good number of applications but we’d always welcome more.

“They are both two great causes, the air ambulance has just launched a new helicoper and the Down’s syndrome group do some fantastic work in our community.”

The event features a 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.

Paul said that he’d like to hear from any businesses who would wish to sponsor the dash which made £5,300 for charity last year.

He said: “The more companies we have on board supporting us the more it would allow us to raise. I’d also say to the public that the key is not just to sign up but to get sponsorship from friends and family.”

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

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.

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.