ORGANISERS of the third annual Santa Fun Run in Barnoldswick are hoping for a record 500 entrants.

The 5k run, due to take place next Sunday, December 6, will set off as usual from the West Craven High School in Barnoldswick and follow the same route as last year.

Registration and warm-up will take place from 10am, while runners will set off from 11am and will follow a route along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath to Salterforth. They will then return to Barnoldswick along Kelbrook Road, through the town, finishing in the town square.

Everyone wears Santa suits and it is suitable for all ages and abilities, including families with small children.

Last year's event raised almost £5,000 for the West Craven-based Bosom Friends charity, and organisers hope this year will see even more being raised.

“Last year’s event raised almost £5,000, which enabled the group to continue its work in supporting local people affected by cancer," said fun run organiser

Sharon Hurst.

"Last year’s event was unbelievable – 300 people of all ages dressed in jolly Santa suits took to the streets, creating tremendous community spirit and camaraderie, and we’d love to get even more Santas this year."

West Craven Insurance Services in Earby is sponsoring the event again this year, with director Lisa Parker entering with her two young children.

She said: “We’re really pleased to be teaming up with Bosom Friends for the third annual Santa Fun Run.

"I’m a keen runner myself and I’ll be twisting the arms of some of my colleagues, so we’ll have a good presence on the day."

Since Bosom Friends was launched in 2000, the group has helped many people affected by cancer in the Pendle, Craven and Ribble Valley area.

In addition to offering emotional support through the helpline, peer support meetings and social gatherings, the group also offers discretionary financial help to people at any stage of their cancer journey – coming to terms with diagnosis, travelling through the stages of treatment, celebrating reaching remission, dealing with a terminal diagnosis and coping with bereavement.

Anyone over five years old can take part in the run. Parking will be at West Craven High School, the Co-op or at the car park opposite the Police Station.

Visit the bebosomfriends.org.uk website for more details and to register.