The preparations for the annual Santa Dash are underway at Eden Valley Hospice.

People put on their red Santa suits and fake fluffy beards, before dashing around Carlisle in a bid to raise money for Jigsaw, Children’s Hospice.

Staff, volunteers, and families from Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw will be joining the hordes of Santa Dashers this year.

Suzanne Garbarino, Jigsaw clinical lead, said: “It is great that staff and their families are all joining in to help raise vital funds for Jigsaw.

“We would like to thank everyone for participating and the organisers for support Jigsaw Children’s Hospice.”

To date, it has raised more than £23,000 for the hospice.

There is the option of running the 5km route or walking the 2km route - both of which go through Bitts Park before ending in the city centre.

Wendy Ashton, a social worker for the hospice, added: “It is great to support Jigsaw as a staff team.

“We vary from doctors to nurses to social workers to admin, reception, transport, and finance. A real mix of people plus some of their children too.”

The Santa Dash began in 2016 and has seen thousands of Santas run through the streets.

Vikki Taylor, a finance administrator, said: “As a member of staff I see the overwhelming kindness and support of the local community.

“The Santa Dash allows friends and families to get involved and raise awareness of the care we provide whilst having a lot of fun in the process.”

This year’s dash will take place on Sunday, December 8.