Cornwall Hospice Care is calling out to local people to give a few hours to help out at its Santa Fun Runs, which are taking place across the county in the run up to Christmas.

The charity has reported a recent surge in the numbers of people taking part in this year’s festive fundraiser, which will mean an increased need for help on the day. Fun runs will he held at Land’s End on Saturday, December 1, Padstow on Saturday, December 8 and Falmouth on Saturday, December 15 all starting at 1pm.

Volunteers would be needed from around noon to 3pm. Craig Walker from Redruth, regular event volunteer for Cornwall Hospice Care, who helped with last year's Falmouth event, said: “I’d recommend it to anyone. It’s a great way to get involved with such a worthy charity, meet new people and get into the Christmas spirit.”

Last year 1,500 jolly running Santas took to the streets of three Cornish seaside towns in the charity’s annual festive fundraiser, which raised over £32,000 for the cause. Rose Wiltshire, events fundraiser for Cornwall Hospice Care, said: “Volunteers are a vital part of our fundraising events, and without their help it would be impossible for us to hold events such as the Santa Fun Runs. There is always a great atmosphere so helping out can be a lot of fun.”

With around 2,000 participants expected across three events this year, the charity is hoping that people not wanting to take part in the fun run would still like to get involved and can spare a few hours to help in a variety of ways: marshalling the routes, registering the runners, serving refreshments and manning stalls.

Anyone interested in helping out at any of the Santa Fun Runs is asked to contact Rose Wiltshire at Cornwall Hospice Care on 01726 66868 or email rwiltshire@cornwallhospice.co.uk To register to take part in the fun runs people are asked to go to www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk to register online, or contact the fundraising office for an application form.

Registration costs £10 for adults and £5 for children, which includes a free Santa suit! Cornwall Hospice Care provides adult hospice care to the people of Cornwall.

The specialist team at the hospice aim to provide a holistic approach to the care of people living with life limiting illnesses providing medical, practical and spiritual treatment and support.