ACORNS Children’s Hospice is kick-starting the festive season by calling on Redditch and Bromsgrove residents to suit-up as Father Christmas for its annual Santa Run.

Entries are now open for the event taking place at Brindleyplace in Birmingham City Centre on December 6 where hundreds of Santas will bring festive cheer and help support the charity in its work providing care for life-threatened and life-limited children and young people.

All those entering will be given their very own Santa suit and can take part in a 5km Santa Run or a 2km Santa Stroll for those who want to take things a bit slower.

Acorns offers a network of care for children and support to their families across the West Midlands and relies on sponsorship from events such as this for the majority of its income.

Shujea Khatun, major events officer at Acorns, said: "The Christmas countdown is now on, so what better way to get into the festive spirit than suiting up for the Acorns Santa Run.

"Last year’s event was a really fun-filled festive day and this year we hope it’ll be even bigger and better. We want to encourage lots more Santas to come along, run, jog or stroll supporting Acorns in its work.

"The children and young people we look after are unlikely to reach adulthood and require specialist palliative care 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. The fundraising and sponsorship raised from events like this one are absolutely vital to provide the support our children need, which can cost up to £750 per day per child."

Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s which includes a Santa suit and a medal. Children under six are free and although they will not be given a Santa suit due to size restrictions, they are encouraged to attend in their own festive fancy dress.

All routes are accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs so everyone can take part in this exciting event.

The event is generously supported by Western Power Distribution and Bloc Hotels which means all monies raised will go directly towards funding the £8 million plus a year it costs to run Acorns three hospices.

For more information and to register please visit www.acorns.org.uk/santa call 01564 82 5000 or email events@acorns.org.uk.