SCORES of runners are busy slipping into their shorts and getting in shape for this year's charity Christmas Fun Run in Worcester.

More than 1,000 people dressed up as Father Christmas are expected to take part in the fun event, on Sunday, December 4, in aid of Leukaemia Care.

The event, now in its third year, is being organised by the charity in conjunction with Worcester City Football Club and Evesham High School, with entry forms already being downloaded from the internet.

The three-and-half-mile run takes a course through the city and last year more than 700 people pounded the streets to raise more than £35,000 for charity.

This year's run is open to people of all abilities, groups, families and individuals - with the only requirement being that entrants have to wear a Father Christmas costume.

Leukaemia Care fund-raising manager Louise Carlin said: "The excitement for this year's run has already begun to mount!

"We know of lots of people who thought about taking part last year but in the end decided not to - only to feel really left out when they saw the huge number of people who did take part streaming around the streets in Worcester.

"If you thought about it last year - do more than think this year - sign up and take part!

"It's great fun and the result was a magnificent amount of money raised for a very worthy cause."

Anyone interested in entering - either as an individual or a team can find out more details by visiting worcesterxmasfunrun.co.uk or through links from worcestercityfc.co.uk or eveshamhigh. worcs.sch.uk