Santa’s sleigh bells will be ringing around Ipswich from December 1, as the annual Rudolph Run returns to the streets of town to raises thousands for good causes.

Ipswich Star: Archant Suffolk reporter Matt Stott in the Rudolph Run through the streets of Ipswich in 2013. Picture: GREGG BROWNArchant Suffolk reporter Matt Stott in the Rudolph Run through the streets of Ipswich in 2013. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The annual fundraiser, which has been going for more than 40 years, features volunteers joining Ipswich Greyfriars Round Table members as they make their way around town with Rudolph and Santa’s sleigh.

The float takes in dozens of roads around town over the course of 22 days, all collecting money from festive families for two good causes.

This year, the Families in Need (FIND) Foodbank and Ipswich Winter Night Shelter will benefit from the funds raised, which regularly exceeds £15,000 a year.

Tony Cheung, chairman of Ipswich Round Table, said: “We are delighted to be supporting such worthy charities, both that are vital at this time of the year and we hope Ipswich can show its support by giving generously and making a difference to others in need.”

Ipswich Star: Families meet Santa at the Man on the Moon pub before the start of the Round Table Rudolph Run around the Crofts in 2016. Picture: SIMON PARKERFamilies meet Santa at the Man on the Moon pub before the start of the Round Table Rudolph Run around the Crofts in 2016. Picture: SIMON PARKER

Each year different causes are selected, with the IWNS selected because of the rise in homelessness in the town centre and FIND after its urgent plea for food donations in August when its shelves were almost bare.

Glenn Williamson from the Round Table added: “The work they do is phenomenal.

“It seems to us that homelessness is as bad as it’s ever been and this time of year is an awful time to be out on the streets.”

Companies around Ipswich put forward volunteers to help join the Rudolph Run, with volunteers knocking on doors and collecting donations in buckets while the float journeys through town.

Ipswich Star: Fundraisers at the start of the Round Table Rudolph Run around the Crofts in 2015. Picture: SIMON PARKERFundraisers at the start of the Round Table Rudolph Run around the Crofts in 2015. Picture: SIMON PARKER

Indeed, the event has become a popular part of the run up to Christmas in Ipswich, with many commenting on the Round Table’s Facebook page.

One supporter said: “Wouldn’t be Christmas without you coming round. Have such happy and special memories seeing you when I was a child.”

Mr Williamson from the organisation added: “When you see the families already on the pavement and approaching you it really gets you into the Christmas spirit – there’s so much excitement.”

The full schedule of which roads it will be visiting and when is set to be unveiled at the end of the month.

Ipswich Star: Families meet santa at the Man on the Moon pub before the start of the Round Table Rudolph Run around the Crofts in 2015. Picture: SIMON PARKERFamilies meet santa at the Man on the Moon pub before the start of the Round Table Rudolph Run around the Crofts in 2015. Picture: SIMON PARKER

To get involved email the Ipswich Round Table here.