THERE may be six weeks until Christmas but these Santas are ready to go.

The gift they will be delivering, however, will support and funding for a new cancer centre.

More than 700 Santas are due to take part in the Santa Run in Colchester's Castle Park on December 7 and this year organisers are asking runners to wear the name of someone they are running for on their back.

CoHoC fundraising manager Caroline Bates said: "So many families are affected by cancer, so we hope as many people as possible will take this opportunity to do something really positive to raise sponsorship.

"All funds raised will support our £4.5 million Cancer Centre Campaign.

"Anyone can take part and you can hop, skip, run, walk or stroll around the 3k course or if you’re feeling very energetic you can carry on and do the 5k route."

The registration fee of £10 for adults includes a Santa suit. For children aged five to 15, the fee is £5 which includes free Santa hat to be collected on the day. Children must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

Registration starts at 9am on the day near the Bandstand just below the castle and Belinda Kerrins from Fun with Fitness will lead the warm up with the run starting at 10am.

For further details and to register online go to www.cohoc.org.uk or phone 01206 745303.