HO HO HO! A festive charity event is calling for people to dress as Father Christmas and take part in a unique spectacle on Weymouth Beach.

The date has been set for the fourth annual Chase the Pudding dash, which aims to attract hundreds of Santas for a 5km race after a Christmas Pudding.

It is taking place on Sunday December 18, with a procession through town then registration on the seafront from 9.30am, ahead of the race start at 11am.

All proceeds from the event will this year be going to the British Heart Foundation, every participant gets a Christmas pudding and there will be a cash prize for the winner.

Organiser Mark Steen, of BustinSkin triathlon and events club, said: “This is the fourth year and it’s getting bigger every year.

“Our aim is to raise as much money as possible for the British Heart Foundation.

“We’ve done three years in aid of Julia’s House children’s hospice and raised several thousand pounds.

“But after three years, we wanted to promote another charity and British Heart Foundation has stepped in.”

Last year 200 runners braved a snow-covered Weymouth beach to raise hundreds of pounds for the worthy cause.

Several of the brave fundraisers embraced the ‘scantily Santa-ly clad’ festive theme and wore just swimwear and Santa hats.

Mark added: “The best bit about the event is watching the families and the kids faces when they’re watching all the Santa’s chase a Christmas pudding up the beach.

“Last year there were lots of scantily clad Santas in pants and bras, this year the theme is just to raise as much money as possible.

“Hopefully this year there won’t be snow and ice, as that kept some of the punters away last time.

“It’s good fun. Don’t leave it until the last minute – sign up now.”

This year an unnamed athlete will be taking on the role of the Christmas pudding –known only as ‘Stig’.

Stig will be given a head start in the race, then the Santas will begin their chase.

The aim is to catch the pudding, win the cash prize and to become next year’s Christmas pudding.

Adult entry costs £15 including a Santa Suit, £10 without. Children under 14 cost £5 to enter and are encouraged to come in fancy dress.

To find out more contact the South Volunteer Fundraising Team on 01892 893918 or sign up online at bustinskin.com/