You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I'm telling you why - hundreds of Santas are coming to town.

The annual Santa fun run will be returning to Dorchester this December.

The event, in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare, has become a key date of the Christmas calendar.

The event will begin at 11am and will see families dressed as Santa run two miles around the town, starting and finishing at Dorchester Rugby Club.

Residents are encouraged grab their Santa hats, put on their red coats and grab their snowy white beards to get into the festive spirit.

Alaine Harman, community events fundraiser at Weldmar, said: “This event is always a wonderful way to start the Christmas season. The sight of so many Santas, of all ages, running around Dorchester always fills us with Christmas cheer. This year we are delighted to be hosting this event once again with our charity partners, Dorchester Rugby Club.”

This will be the seventh Santa Fun Run in aid of Weldmar and it has so far contributed £26,000 to help the local charity support patients and their families across Dorset.

Bob Andrews, president of Dorchester Rugby Club, which is partnering with Weldmar to run the event, said: “The club is pleased to be involved with Weldmar and we hope to get a good turnout from club members, families and friends in aid of a worthwhile cause.

“Everybody is welcome to join us for the run.

“Sir Joseph Weld, who helped found the hospice in Dorchester was a member of Dorchester Rugby Club and we are happy to continue the club’s relationship with Weldmar.”

Registration costs £12 for runners age 10 and over, and includes a five-piece Santa suit. Registration costs £8 for runners aged between five and nine, and includes a three-piece Santa suit. The Fun Run is free for little Santas under five, but they do need to be registered – and will be given a Santa hat.

The event will be taking place on Sunday, December 3.

To register for the Santa Fun Run, or to volunteer to help, go to weld-hospice.org.uk/santarun or call the Fundraising team on 01305 261800.