IT'S not an old picture from six months ago . . . a sextet of sprightly Santas really were jogging around the pitch at Portman Road on one of the hottest days of the year!

IT'S not an old picture from six months ago . . . a sextet of sprightly Santas really were jogging around the pitch at Portman Road on one of the hottest days of the year!

The jolly half-dozen, who limbered up with a lap around the pitch, have six months to go until the busiest day of the year for all Santas, with the exception of Christmas Day of course.

The warm-up was in preparation for the third Santa Run, in aid of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), which cares for children with life threatening illnesses and has hospices based in Ipswich, Quidenham and Milton in Cambridge.

Karen Chesney, EACH events fundraiser, explained the importance of the run for the charity, saying: “The vital care and support services EACH provides cost around �5.8 million a year and we rely on public support for the vast majority of this.

“Taking part in the Santa Run in Ipswich is a great way to support your local children's hospice and is great fun as well.”

This year's Santa Run will take place in Christchurch Park on Saturday December 13. More details on how to take part will appear on the charity's website www. each.org.uk. Alternatively, call Karen on 01223 205192 or email karen.chesney@each.org.uk.