SANTA is still on the look-out for a few extra little helpers to join runners taking part in the Santa Dash at Lydiard Park on Sunday.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix, proceeds from the event will go to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and the Swindon and North Wiltshire Group of Breast Cancer Now.

Showing their support for the event – which sees up to 500 runners, walkers and skippers dress as Father Christmas himself – the Wiltshire Air Ambulance will do a fly by over the starting line to co-inside with the start of the race.

Runners making their way to the event can also receive 10 per cent off any drink orders at the Costa Drive Thru at Junction 16 of the M4.

President of the Rotary Club, Geoff Beale, said: “We are really pleased with the volume of entries we are getting this year, we have sold nearly 100 places more than where we were last year which is a very positive sign for success.”

But there are still a few last minute spaces left for those who would like to lend a festive hand to people in need.

Geoff added: “I have chosen the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Breast Cancer Now to benefit from this event as they both have strong linkages with people I know. To date the event has raised in excess of £15,000 for charity and we expect this to exceed £20,000 after this year’s event, even though this is only our fourth.”

Last year's 421 runners managed to raise £9,500 for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Swindon Down's Syndrome Group. The Rotary Club is hoping people will dig deep to support runners in this year’s run.

The 5km family fun run will take in a route around the grounds, which can be run or walked, while there will also be a shorter 3km route for those with young children or pushchairs, or those who would prefer a shorter route. Dogs with a festive streak are also welcome to take part in the event but must be kept on a lead at all times. Owners must also be prepared to clear up after them.

Runners won’t need to bring their own Santa suits with them, as the Rotary Club has once again secured the services of Santa’s elves who will be bringing more than enough suits for people to wear. They just ask that everyone wears suitable running shoes.

Geoff said: “This year we have the ever popular Zumba Warm-Up which gets all the Santas and their little helpers warmed up ready for the 5km walk, run, jog or stroll around the beautiful Lydiard Country Park.

“However, before the Zumba, and new for this year, we have the local Rock Choir performing some festive songs to entertain everyone. Kate Benson will be leading the 80 piece Choir. This will be their first public ‘gig’ and we have been informed it will be very entertaining.

“Also this year we have an Inflatable Santa Archway which will make a superb backdrop for any of those pictures for the family album. The wife of Rotarian John Fisher, Dianne, has kindly made and donated a ceramic Diving Santa that will be raffled on the day, with all proceeds going to the charities benefiting from this event.”

Entry for those aged 15 and older is £15 per person, £7 for nine to 14 year olds, £5 for five to eight year olds while those aged under four get to take part for free. Registration will open on the morning from 10am, with the race warm up beginning at 11am. Santa Run Medals will be given to everyone who cross the finish line to take home along with a goody bag. This year there are also goody bags especially for the younger ones.

For more information or to sign up for this year’s event visit www.swindonsanta.org.uk.