PREPARATIONS are well underway for a merry Christmas in Nantwich – with Cheshire’s first ever Santa Dash.

Organised by Sandbach charity Railway Children, hundreds of people dressed as Santa Claus will be pounding the pavements of Nantwich Town Centre on December 20.

Runners of all ages and levels of fitness are invited to take part in the festive event, which includes a 2.5km fun run and 5km race.

Aimed at everyone from college students to school children, gym enthusiasts, mum, dads, grandparents and work colleagues, the goal is for people to enjoy the feel good factor of Christmas and raise money for charity at the same time.

The race, supported by Cheshire East Council, incorporates one or two laps starting and finishing at Nantwich Town Square – running through Beam Street, High Street, Oatmarket, Waterlode and Mill Street.

Registration is just £15 (or £12.50 for children aged 10-14) and this includes a free Santa Suit with long jacket, hood, belt and beard.

All finishers also receive a commemorative medal.

Proceeds will be donated to the charity to help runaway and abandoned children living on the streets -and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £20 sponsorship.

Mince pies, mulled wine, face-painting, ice-skating, a brass-band and other entertainment will be available for spectators.

The charity's Rob Capener said: "Christmas gets earlier every year!

"And it’s already time for runners to get their places on this event because we expect demand for entries to be high.

“The challenge is within most people’s capabilities and with a bit of training, the 2.5km and 5km dashes should easily be achieved.

The spirit of the event is taking part not winning so participants can run, jog or walk.

"The country’s first ever centre dash took place in Merseyside and now 7,000 people take part in the famous annual event.

"But it is New York that holds the world record – with 13,000 Santas running through the Big Apple.

“We are hoping for hundreds to take part in our first Cheshire event so that we can raise thousands of pounds for Railway Children.

"There is also a trophy for the fastest male and female, the top fundraiser, and the fastest team of four."

Runners can register for the event and obtain sponsor forms from www.railwaychildren.org.uk, m.oakes@railwaychildren.org.uk or 01270 757596.