Charity Santa Run to return to city

Hundreds of people dressed as Santa attend the Wolverhampton fundraiser every year

An annual Christmas event to raise money for a charity supporting people who are blind is returning to Wolverhampton.

The 5k Santa Run will take place at West Park in the city on Sunday 7 December, with people of all ages, families and dogs invited to walk, jog or run around the park while dressed as Santa.

The ticketed event provides adult participants with a Santa suit, children with a Santa hat, and furry participants get their own festive bandana.

The event raises money for the Beacon Centre for the Blind, a charity which supports people living with sight loss in the West Midlands and Staffordshire.

Furry friends are also invited to take part in the 5K, where they will receive their own bandana

This year's run includes a special visit from the Elf on the Shelf, plus a professional photographer capturing the fun, with photos free to download afterwards.

The mayor of Wolverhampton, councillor Craig Collingswood, will start the race and the City of Wolverhampton Council choir will be entertaining the crowds with some festive songs.

The mayor said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals and families to get into the Christmas spirit while also supporting a very worthwhile cause at the same time.

"The Santa Run is open to everyone, and it doesn't matter if you run, jog or walk – it's the taking part that counts."

Beacon Centre CEO Lisa Sadler-Todd added: "By taking part, you'll be helping the Beacon Centre for the Blind support people living with sight loss across the Black Country and South Staffordshire. Every step – and paw print – makes a real difference."

Registration takes place from 09:30 GMT and the event starts at 10:05 GMT.