A CALL has gone out for residents to don a Santa Claus costume and take to the streets of Bicester in the name of charity.

Mayor Richard Mould is urging people to take part in the fourth annual Santa run, started by former mayor John Cozens.

Hundreds will join in the fun on Sunday, December 5, at 10.30am at Pingle Field, off Pingle Drive. Santas will sprint twice around the field, into Priory Road, Chapel Street, Market Square, Sheep Street, and back to Pingle Field via Causeway and Old Place Yard, completing 5km.

Entrants can donate half their sponsorship cash to a charity of their choice and the other half will go to the British Red Cross, the Bicester Girl Guides, Macmillan Nurses and volunteer blood service SERV.

Mr Mould said: “It’s great fun. It is quite impressive to see all these red-suited people running or walking in the town.”

Entry costs £10 for adults, £5 for children, or £25 for a family, and includes Santa suits. Those who raise more than £50 enter half price. For information call 01869 252915 or email ruth.bagley@bicester.gov.uk