ENTRIES are now open for a hospice's Santa Run, in which hundreds of competitors dressed as Father Christmas are expected to take part.
The 4km run, now in its fourth year, is being organised by the Hastingwood-based St Clare Hospice to raise much needed funds to help care for the terminally ill.
The event will this year be held at the Secret Nuclear Bunker, off Ongar Road, Kelvedon Hatch, from 11am on Sunday, December 9.
The organisers are hoping that up to 300 Santas will take part.
Those who do not wish to run can walk the course instead.
Hospice fundraiser Grace Clutton said: "This year we are holding the Santa Run at the Secret Nuclear Bunker where our Santas will have a brilliant course around the tracks there, with the option of a few obstacles if they wish to challenge themselves."
Registration costs £15 for those aged 16 or above, and £5 for children. There is a family price of £35 for two adults and two children.
Every adult who signs up will receive a free Santa suit and every child to sign up will receive a free Santa hat.
It is hoped the event will raise £12,000 towards the £2.8m needed by the hospice each year to be able to continue to provide care free of charge to its patients and their families.
Grace said: "Just £40 could pay for an hour of counselling by our specialist team while £100 could provide advice and support from our Therapy Team to help one patient return home for Christmas from our In-patient Unit."
Refreshments will be available on the day.