TEAMS of runners are being urged to sign up to take part in this year's Great Christmas Fun Run.

Worcester City Football Club is organising an attempt on the Guinness Book of Records World Record for the most Father Christmas' running in a fun run to raise money for Leukaemia CARE.

Banks's pubs across Worcestershire are being encouraged to enter teams by the brewery, which has agreed to offer a special prize for the winning Banks's team.

With around 300 pubs in the area, a team from every one would see the push to beat the current World Record for Father Christmases running in a fun run having a major boost.

In addition, the organisers are set to announce the agreement of teams to enter from every major local newspaper and the two local radio stations.

Teams of runners of all abilities from across the West Midlands are joining the queue to be a part of the Christmas Fun Run on a 3.5-mile course around Worcester on Sunday, December 5.

"We had nearly 500 runners last year and it seems we will be able to beat that number comfortably," said Worcester City chairman Dave Boddy.

"We've still got a long way to go and we're not being complacent. We need to keep the pressure on and persuade all those who really want to take part, but can't quite make their minds up, to take the plunge and have a go."

As well as prizes for the winners of the race in a number of categories, there is a prize for the person who raises the highest amount of sponsorship.

Last year a total of £18,000 was raised.

Anyone interested in taking part can download an entry form from www.worcestercityfc.co.uk/christmasfunrun .

Entry is £10 and that includes the cost of the Father Christmas suit.

Full details of the race can be obtained by calling 0870 774 3667.