DASHING Santas and cheeky Elves will dash around the countryside in December to raise funds for the Dorothy House Hospice.

The newly-named 'Santa and Elf Run' for 2017 is being held on Sunday, December 3. Entries are now open for the fun runs, which are open to all ages and will start and finish at Dorothy House Hospice Care in Winsley.

Dorothy House is inviting local people to join in the fun and run, walk or skip either the 2.5km or 5km route with adults dressed as Santa and children as Christmas Elves.

Emily Knight, Event Fundraiser at Dorothy House Hospice Care said: “This year we're inviting families and children to take part as well as more serious runners and the fun run has a flatter 2.5k and 5k route.

“We can’t wait to see all the Santa’s and Elves taking to the lanes of Winsley to raise money for their local Hospice. Why not sign up the whole family and you can even bring your dog!”

Bethan Good and her sister Rebecca Squire, from Trowbridge, will be among those running for the hospice.

Bethan said: “Last year was the first time myself and my husband Tim took part in the Santa fun run and we really enjoyed it.

“”We took part in memory of my wonderful Mum, Margaret Smith, who was cared for by the hospice in September 2015, and it was a great chance to raise money for a wonderfully caring hospice.

“This year I’m taking part with my sister Rebecca and I’d highly recommend the fun run to anyone so throw on a Santa suit and enjoy a jog or a walk around the stunning Winsley countryside."

This year, the 7th annual race is open to all the family and will take place on a new, flatter course for 2017. Dogs are welcome if on a short lead and there will be exciting Snow Stations to run through in the scenic grounds of the hospice.

Families, friends and supporters are invited to come and cheer the runners on and sprinkle biodegradable snow on them as they pass by. Festive fancy dress is welcomed by all and mulled wine, hot food and other refreshments will be available to buy so it's an event for everyone to enjoy.

The fun run starts at 11am on December 3 with registration from 10am and a warm up session at 10.50am. Entry costs £15 for 12+ years and £7.50 for 5-11 year olds.

All 12 + year old participants will receive a Santa suit at registration and 5-11 year olds will receive Elf accessories included in their entry fee plus free refreshments after the run. All runners aged 16 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.

All adult entrants are asked to raise £40 in sponsorship or make a donation of £40 in lieu of sponsorship to help support Dorothy House Hospice Care.

The course is multi-terrain, including roads and footpaths so sensible footwear is a must. With regret, the route is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs due to narrow stone styles and muddy footpaths. Entries close at 5pm on Thursday, November 30.

Please visit the website to sign up for the event at www.santaandelfrun.org.uk. Or

if you would like to support Dorothy House by volunteering or a donation please visit www.dorothyhouse.org.uk or call on 01225 721480.