Hundreds of Santas, elves, fairies and other festive characters will descend on Weymouth beach this weekend.

It’s nearly time for the annual Chase the Pudding beach race, one of the town’s maddest Christmas events, which takes place on Sunday (17).

The event is celebrating a special 10th anniversary this year, and will support popular local charity the Will Mackaness Trust.

And following a successful introduction last year, there will also be a ‘Chase the Elf’ 2km event for under 14s.

Everybody is invited to support the colourful festive event which starts at 11am, with a warm-up and ‘Santa Stretch’ from 10.45am.

The unique spectacle has attracted hoards of runners in the past and has become a huge festive event in the town. It was named one of the top 10 events in the country to do in December by Holiday Lettings, part of travel review website TripAdvisor.

Pam Govier, Will Mackaness Trust Director, said: "There is no more amazing sight than watching hundreds of Santas and elves chasing a big Christmas Pudding along the beach."

The course is approximately 5km from the Pavilion end of the beach to the groyne at Greenhill and back again.

Entry fees are £10 (£15 with Santa suit included).

Race registration will be available on the day in the Ocean Room of the Pavilion.