A WYRE Forest charity are hoping people will get in the festive spirit early by signing up for an annual Santa Fun Run.

KEMP Hospice's annual winter fundraiser has taken place on the first Sunday in December every year at Brinton Park in Kidderminster for over a decade, and the charity want this year's to be the region's biggest yet.

This year marks the hospice’s 50th anniversary and they will be adding one or two golden twists to the charity event, which includes the West Midlands only ‘officially timed’ 10k charity run.

The KEMP Hospice Santa Gold Fun Run, sponsored by St. Johns Social Club of Kidderminster comprises of four events, including a 10 kilometre timed race, a family 5k run, a free children’s 1k Santa Dash and a 25 mile Santa Cycle Ride.

Event organiser Shelley Stanley said: “We would love to see at least 600 runners and riders sign up this year, because that would have a special significance. It would represent a runner or rider for every month since KEMP was first formed in 1969.

"Over the last six hundred months, or fifty years, KEMP has been providing care and support to families of the Wyre Forest, families that have been affected by life-limiting illness of bereavement and we are proud to have reached such a golden milestone. This year’s Santa Fun Run will be an extra special one and we’ve arranged one or two extra special golden surprises too.”

Everyone who takes part in the 10k and 5k run, as well as the 25 mile cycle ride through the Wyre Forest, will receive a free Santa suit to wear, a winners medal and refreshment.

Children taking part in the 1k Santa Dash will also receive a special medal and are encouraged to wear fancy dress.

It costs £15 per person to take part in the timed 10k run, £10 for the Family 5k, which is supported by Kidderminster Harriers Football Club, and £20 for the Santa Cycle Ride.

The 1k Santa Dash is free for children. Everyone who takes part is asked to try to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship to mark the charities 50th anniversary.

People can register online via kemphospice.org.uk or call KEMP Hospice Fundraising on 01562 756066.

Shelley added: We want as many people to join us on Sunday 1st December at Brinton Park. It will be a fantastic opportunity for the whole county to join in and celebrate our golden anniversary, to help raise crucial money for local hospice care and to ensure that we can continue to provide that vital care and support to local families who desperately need our help.”