THERE are still some places available this weekend for the annual Santa Run at Lydiard Park.

Hundreds of Santa's and their little helpers are gearing up to flock to Lydiard Park for the increasingly popular event organised by Swindon Phoenix Rotary Club.

And this year, parking will be free on the day following discussions by the rotary club and

MP for Swindon South, Robert Buckland along with councillors who lobbied Swindon Borough Council to the charges for the event to avoid anyone being discouraged from taking part.

The council showed its festive spirit and agreed to not charge the £4 parking fee for the run which is now in its fifth year.

President of the Rotary Club Nicole Price said: "This is an amazing result which all our members are most grateful for, this will hopefully not discourage anyone now in taking part and in return supporting the two benefitting charities, the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Swindon Carers Centre"

Nicole added: "There are still places available for Sunday but we are getting application coming in every day so don't miss out.

Anyone who wants to register should go to www.swindonsanta.org.uk. Entry for adults is £15, youths £7, children £5 and Infants go free. Dogs are also welcome but must be on a lead.

On arrival at Lydiard Park participants will be issued with full Santa Suits and Santa hats for the little ones taking part.

Exciting new design Medals, sponsored by the MELA Indian Restaurant in Old Town, will be given out on completion of crossing the finish line and Santa and his sleigh will be there.

Goodie bags will be given out to the children and there will also be a few items for the grown ups.

Registration check-in is from 09:30am until 10:30am.

The popular Zumba warm up will start at 10:45am with the race starting at 11:00am to coincide with a fly over of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, depending on operation priorities.

All the Santa's can go at their own pace around the course whether walking, running or jogging. There will be a shorter 3km option on the day for those who have children to take around or for the elderly and less energetic.

Entry to the event by road is via the Hook Street entrance and parking in the event field.

For more information on the Santa Run and how to enter go to www.swindonsanta.org.uk