Santa and his helpers were out in force at Church Walk in Caterham on Saturday (24 October) spreading some festive cheer and signing up shoppers for the Caterham Santa Run in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice.

The launch started off in style with an official opening by Sonia Hunt, Caterham's Town Crier, who also spread news of the launch around surrounding streets. Shoppers enjoyed plenty of fun and festivities taking part in games such as: Pick a Santa, the Lollipop game and Name the Ted, enjoying free mince pies, courtesy of Morrisons and being entertained by acts including: local rock and roll dancers, Coochy and Sharon and the A-Hee-Hoo ukulele band; who drew crowds and got people's toes tapping with Christmas themed music.

The launch was a huge success raising over £500 and generating over 25 registrations for the Santa Run on 22 November at Caterham School. If you fancy joining in, there's still time - an early bird registration rate is available until the end of this week. (30 October).

St Catherine's Santa Run is a family friendly 3km run around Caterham School grounds. All runners are provided with a free Santa suit and under 6s will be given a free Santa hat. There will also be plenty of Christmas stalls to keep runners and spectators occupied on the day including St Catherine’s Christmas cards, designed by patients and families, festive activities for little elves and hot roasted chestnuts.

Michaela Clements, Events Fundraiser at St Catherine's, said: "Each year, it costs us £180,000 to provide our specialised care across Sussex and Surrey over the 12 days of Christmas. With your support, we can help patients and families make, what may be their last Christmas together, memorable  and continue to be there for Caterham residents when and where they need us most."

St Catherine's Santa Run is a great opportunity to have fun, stay 'elfy and fundraise for a good claus - make sure you stay on Santa's good side by signing up!

For more information and to register please visit: www.stch.org/santarun or call 01293 583063.