December has arrived and so too has the Santas on the Run event in Helston.

The final countdown is on for Children’s Hospice South West’s fun festive fundraiser that takes place at RNAS Culdrose this Sunday, December 9.

Hundreds of Santas will take to the runway to walk, jog or run the 2km route and raise funds to support their local children’s hospice Little Harbour at St Austell.

Mary Murfin, local community fundraiser for Little Harbour, said: “This is the first time such an event has been held at RNAS Culdrose and is a unique opportunity to join a host of other Santas for a jaunt around the home of the Royal Navy’s Merlin helicopters.

“What a sight it will be to see hundreds of Santas painting the airbase red and white. Mums, dads, children, toddlers, grannies and grandads can all take part, so why not get your family, friends, or work colleagues together and join us for a belly-full of laughs and seasonal jolliness?”

Everyone taking part in the Santas on the Run event will receive their very own Santa suit to run in and a medal on completion of the run.

Registration starts at 10am, at the public viewing area cafe, where the participants will get suited and booted as they are kept entertained with festive music by the CuldRoses Miltary Wives and Royal Naval Volunteer Band.

The Santas will then be gathered at 11.45am for a warm up by Helen Tite of Falmouth’s The Core.

At midday it will be “on your marks, set, ho ho ho” as the Santas start the 2km circular run, jog or walk.

Registration costs £10 for adults, £5 for under 16s and is free for under threes, with a family ticket of two adults and two children costing £25.

Children under the age of 16 must have parental consent and be accompanied by an adult who is also running.

For more information or to sign up visit www.chsw.org.uk/santas or call 01726 871800..