LOCAL people are being invited to get into the Christmas spirit by taking part in a Santa Fun Run.

The annual event, which takes place in Malton Market Place is back by popular demand and will take place this year on Sunday, December 13, organised by and helping to raise funds for Malton-based charity Ryedale Special Families.

Once again there will be three events to suit all ages starting at 1pm for the Santa’s Elves for ages four to eight years, 1.30pm for Santa’s Little Helpers for ages nine – 13 years, and with the main adult fun run at 2pm. Start and finish is again based at the Milton Rooms and the event will be hosted by Vale Radio.

Entry fees are £6 for children and £12 for adults, which include a full Santa costume, as well as a medal and certificate on completion.

A special addition to the event this year will be a Children’s Christmas Party in the Milton Rooms immediately following the adult run, with some Christmas activities and fun for kids of all ages. There’ll even be a visit from Santa himself.

Rob Davies, organiser and funding coordinator of Ryedale Special Families, said: “This is the third year we’ve held this event and we’re hoping that even more people will turn out and enjoy it.

"We’re indebted to everyone involved in helping to make it happen, including Vale Radio, Malton & Norton Chamber of Trade, Community Traffic Management, Malton & Norton Rotary, Malton, Norton & District Lions, the Smile Rooms, Spectrum Solicitors and Yorkshire Building Society.”

Entries should be made at Yorkshire Building Society’s branch in Wheelgate, where costumes are also available.

Copies of the entry form can be downloaded from Ryedale Special Families’ website at www.ryedalespecialfamilies.org.uk