Get out your Santa hats, your curly elf shoes and reindeer antlers and join the Durlston Country Parks' Fun Run.

The park, owned by Dorset County Council is hosting a 2.5k fun run - The Durlston Dash - for children ages eight to 14, with all participants encouraged to don fancy dress in the spirit of the festive season.

The route will take in some of the parks most beautiful scenery, including woodland, meadows and gorgeous sea views. All participants receive a medal for completing the race, and post-run refreshments are provided.

Booking is required in order to attend, and there is a £2 suggested donation.

Douglas Hart, a ranger at Durlston County Park said: “The previous Durlston Dashes have been a great success, with dozens of eager children coming here to enjoy some fun exercise out of doors. We’re running this one with a festive twist, so put on your best Christmas outfit, come up to Durlston and get ready to run.”

The Durlston Dash is part of the Durlston Pleasure Grounds Project. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Parks for People funding stream, the project aims to make Durlston more accessible, enjoyable and rewarding for visitors of all ages and will see the park’s historic landscape restored and enhanced.

Durlston Castle recently re-opened after a major restoration project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and other partners. The Fine Foundation Gallery at the Castle is a new space, created with funding from the Fine Foundation, for art, science, performance and more.

The Durlston Dash will take place on Saturday, December 9.

Registration will be from 8.30pm until 8.45pm with the race starting at 9am.

For more information on Durlston Castle or Country Park and National Nature Reserve contact Douglas Hart on 01929 424443 or email Durlston@dorsetcc.gov.uk or visit durlston.co.uk