HUNDREDS of Father Christmas lookalikes are set to raise thousands of pounds for a Hampshire hospice.

The annual Santa Dash in aid of Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington will be held in the town centre on Sunday, when entrants will turn the High Street into a sea of red and white.

Oakhaven costs £3.9 million a year operate, only 11per cent of which is provided by the NHS.

The 2015 Santa Dash raised nearly £20,000 for the complex and organisers are hoping that this year’s spectacle will prove even more successful.

Oakhaven spokesman Mike Denny said: “Last year we had a record entry of 1,496 participants.

“We’re already way over 1,000 this year. With entries still coming in - and entries being taken on the day - we have high hopes of exceeding last year’s total.

“The Santa Dash is open to everyone and is only really a ‘dash’ for the young and fit. It’s all about taking part, with half the field simply walking the route.

“We actually have two of our day hospice patients taking part this year in wheelchairs.”

Anyone wishing to enter on the day should go to the Lymington Centre - formerly Lymington Community Centre - from 9am on Sunday.

Entrants can collect their Santa Suit from the Lymington Centre from 9.30am.

In a message to runners Oakhaven says: “High Street shops will be open and we will have refreshments on sale throughout.

“There will be water and a comfort break at Nick Cox Yacht Chandlers and a free water bottle for all entrants at the end of the run/stroll.”