Christmas shoppers will be in for a treat this festive season as hundreds of Santa’s descend on the town.

Around 500 people are expected to don Santa suits in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Ipswich Santa Run.

It will take place on Sunday, December 7, starting and finishing at the Town Hall on the Corn Hill and will see hundreds of fundraisers complete a 3km fun run.

Among those taking part and marshalling the route will be employees from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO, which has also sponsored the charity challenge. The Ipswich Star is a media partner.

Patsy Johnson-Cisse, EACH Suffolk fundraiser, said: “We’re really excited about the Ipswich Santa Run returning to the town centre of Ipswich.

“Two years ago we caused quite a stir with shoppers watching on as an army of runners in red Santa suits ran by.

“The warm up on the Cornhill is a fantastic fun festive start to Christmas.

“It isn’t a race - you can run, walk or jog - it’s up to you.

“Registration will be warm - inside the Buttermarket shopping centre and everyone gets a mince pie when they return - an added bonus.”

The fun run is open to everyone and is suitable for all members of the family.

The Santa Run, which starts at 11am, costs £10 for adults, which includes a Santa suit, and £6 per child under 13 including a Santa hat.

Visit www.each.org.uk/santaruns or call 01473 276196 to sign up.

See photos from previous Santa Run events in our gallery.