GET in the Christmas spirit this weekend with a special festive run and a popular community street fayre.

Weldmar Hospicecare Trust is hoping that hundreds of families will get involved in its third Santa Run in Dorchester today.

While residents in Wyke Regis are gearing up for their annual Christmas party which brings families together for a day of fun and entertainment while also being a showcase for local food and crafts.

The Wyke Christmas street fayre which runs from noon to 4.30pm and is based around Wyke Square and Chamberlaine Road will feature lots of new stalls this year.

There will be entertainment including Juno Belly Dancers and Morris dancers, and Father Christmas will be visiting and greeting children.

The event, which supports local charities, is one of the area's biggest Christmas celebrations and is attended by thousands of people.

It proudly carries on a tradition from the thirteenth century when Henry III granted authority for an annual fayre to take place in Wyke on the Feast of St Nicholas, December 6.

The opening of the street fayre is marked by the bells being rung at All Saints Church.

Some streets in old Wyke are closed and there are open-air stalls selling a range of Christmas produce and gifts.

You better watch out because dozens of Santa Clauses are coming to town in Poundbury today.

Fundraisers will be donning Santa costumes and hitting the roads around Prince Charles’ model development, in aid of the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. The event will begin outside Poundbury Garden Centre.

It is the third year the charity has put on the festive family event and it is urging people to get involved with the fun.

People are invited to walk, jog or run the two-mile course all in the name of the hospice charity. The run starts at 11am and registration costs £10 for people aged ten and over, including a five-piece Santa suit.

Children aged five to nine will be able to register for £6 and receive a three-piece Santa suit while youngsters under five get a Santa hat and can register for free.

For full details of how to sign up visit weld-hospice.org.uk Anyone who is not able to run but would like to be involved can also sign up to be one of Santa’s little helpers, assisting with registration points, administration or stewarding.

Volunteers are asked to call 01305 261800 or visit the charity’s website.