SANTA is forsaking his reindeer in favour of trainers early next month.

Herriot Hospice Homecare is staging its annual fundraising Santa Run in Northallerton on December 5, a 5km fun event following the route of the town’s regular Park Runs at Hambleton Leisure Centre.

Runners of all ages and abilities can take part in the event, which will start at 11am, with registration at 10am.

Each entrant will be provided with a Santa outfit to wear during the run, which they can then keep, and they will also receive a Santa medal and mince pie when they complete the course.

The charity’s events fundraiser, Leanne Hardcastle, said: “The fun run is always one of the highlights of our year and we are hoping this will be the biggest and best one yet.

“The fact it is being held in Northallerton and on the Park Run course, which is familiar to many, will hopefully help us to reach our target of over 200 runners.”

The entry fee for the event is £10 for adults and £5 for children under 13. The charity, which provides hospice care to people in their own homes, is inviting runners to raise sponsorship money if they wish, but it is not compulsory.

Pre-register via herriothh.org.uk/online_shop - or by telephoning 01609-777413. Alternatively, simply turn up on the morning.