Youngsters at Dundale School in Tring have already signed up to take part in the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home Santa Dash.

Leading the way is eight-year-old Kieran Clark from the school who earlier this year was the hospice's biggest fundraiser in the annual Tring Midsummer Fun Run raising an impressive £300.

Now he and pals are looking forward to getting suited and booted for the festive dash.

The charity wants hundreds of adults, children and even dogs to run or walk a 1.5 mile course dressed as Santa to raise cash that will support nurses who care for patients with terminal illnesses in their own homes.

Hospice mascot, Rennie Bear, donned his Santa suit to introduce the event to school children at Dundale School during an assembly this week.

Community fundraiser Jo Neale said: "It's the first time we've organised this event and it is set to be a fun and exciting day for everyone involved."

It will be at Lowndes Park in Chesham, near Berkhamsted, on Sunday, November 30. Entry costs £10 for adults, £5 for children and £20 for a family. This includes Santa costumes. See www.irhh.org/santadash or call Jo on 01442 890222.

The Hospice of St Francis, based in Berkhamsted, is also holding a separate dash.

The event is sure to turn heads when hundreds of Santas take to the streets of Hemel Hempstead for a two-and-a-half mile run on Sunday, December 7.

Entry costs £15 for adults, £5 for children or £35 for a family Find out more about taking part by calling 01442 869555.