Jack and Daisy the cow showed they were full of magic beans when they took time out from their busy pantomime schedule to help promote a festive charity fundraiser.

IPSWICH: Jack and Daisy the cow showed they were full of magic beans when they took time out from their busy pantomime schedule to help promote a festive charity fundraiser.

Boyband idol Antony Costa, who is playing the lead role in Jack and the Beanstalk, and fellow star Daisy have given their backing to the Ipswich Santa Run.

The 3km event, taking place around Christchurch Park on Sunday, will see hundreds of people dressing up as Santa to raise money for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

Blue star Costa said: “It's a great cause. It is great to get involved with different charities up and down the country.”

This year's event looks like it will the biggest yet with more than 200 people already registered. But there is still time to take part as the charity aims to raise more than �10,000.

Mark Fox, EACH Suffolk's community fundraising co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted that Antony Costa has been able to help us promote the EACH Ipswich Santa Run.

“At the moment, we have got more than 215 registered, which is the best year so far, but obviously we want to get more people.

“There will lots of things going on, including stalls and a miniature train taking people round the park. It should be a nice atmosphere.”

Jack and the Beanstalk will be performed at the Ipswich Regent theatre from Saturday, December 19 to Sunday, January 10.

Dame Trott will be played by Coronation Street's Reg Holdsworth, while the villain will be performed by James Mackenzie, from CBBC's BAFTA award-winning Raven.

Mr Costa said: “Rehearsals are going really well. I am looking forward to opening night. Hopefully the Ipswich crowd will be really good.”

EACH provides care and support for life-threatened children and their families in their homes as well as at the charity's three hospices in Ipswich, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

This year, it is expected to cost about �5.8million to run its services.

Does your child receive care from EACH? Will you be taking part on Sunday? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

EACH holds six Santa Runs every year across the region, raising tens of thousands of pounds.

All routes are between 2km and 3km, which you can run, jog, or stroll. This year, they are all suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

People can register for the Ipswich event by visiting www.each.org.uk, calling 01223 205180 or by turning up on the day.

Entry is �10 including a Santa suit or �8.50 if you want to provide your own costume.

There is no minimum sponsorship, but people are encouraged to raise as much as possible.