1,000 Santas set to dash in bumper race

In previous years, around 950 people have taken part in the annual Santa Dash, which raises money for Trinity Hospice in Bispham, but more than 1,000 have signed up so far.

Head of fundraising at Trinity, Linzi Young, said: “This is great news. If the weather’s good on the day, we always get lots of last minute entries, so we are definitely on for a record-breaking turn out.”

The dash will see hospice supporters of all ages pulling on their red suits for the annual trek from the Sandcastle to Central Pier and back.

And as well as the human competitors, there are always plenty of pet dogs taking the challenge – most of them in festive fancy dress to get the Christmas season well and truly underway.

All entrants get a free Santa suit and a medal for completing the dash – along with a cup of hot chocolate at the end.

Online booking for the event, on Sunday, December 4, closes this morning – though people can still sign up on the day.