SANTA Clauses will be coming to town as a Dorchester based charity hosts a fun-filled fundraising event.

The Weldmar Hospicecare Trust’s annual Santa Run is being held on Sunday, November 30 with dozens of runners expected to don Father Christmas outfits and take on the two-mile route.

This year the event will start and finish at the Joseph Weld Hospice in Herringston Road with the route taking the Santas around the Manor Park area.

The run, which starts at 11am, will also coincide with Weldmar’s Traditional Christmas Market at the hospice so entrants can enjoy the festive offerings before and after the event.

Weldmar events fundraiser Matt Smith said the Santa Run has provide a popular event in the town’s calendar and attracts plenty of people of all ages.

The spokesman said: “Every year the event gets bigger and better and more fun for the whole family. It’s a fantastic atmosphere and every year we have changed the venue, where it starts and finishes, to keep the event fresh.

“This year we have decided to start and finish at our Christmas Market at the hospice so when they finish people can have a look around.”

Matt stressed the event was suitable for all ages and urged people to sign up to walk, jog or run around the course.

Registration costs £10 for anyone aged ten and over, including a five piece Santa suit, and £6, for ages five to nine, with a three piece Santa suit while under fives go free and get a Santa hat.

The Christmas Market runs from 10am to 3pm and will boast a range of music and entertainment as well as a whole host of stalls offering festive produce, decorations, cards and gifts, handicrafts, books and much more.

There will also be a selection of seasonal refreshments and a chance to visit Santa in his grotto.

Anyone who does not wish to run but still wants to be involved in the event is urged to sign up to become one of Santa’s little helpers and volunteer to assist with the running of the event by calling 01305 261800.

More information about the Santa Run is also available online at weld-hospice.org.uk