STAFF at a Hampshire charity are set to don Santa costumes and get on their bikes to raise funds.

It is just one year old but staff at Breast Cancer Haven, Wessex are already reporting a successful 12 months after giving nearly 3000 hours of therapy to more than 250 visitors.

And as previously reported by the Daily Echo, with help from hundreds of generous Hampshire residents and businesses, October’s inaugural breast cancer awareness month raised £30,000 with everything from sponsored silences to cake sales, flashmobs and surprise stripping.

Now staff and volunteers at the Haven are to embark on in the next leg of their journey - as they continue to offer free of charge counselling, advice and emotional and physical support to breast cancer patients.

They are asking for residents to get in the Christmas spirit and sign up to one of their festive events.

Staff at the grade II listed building in Titchfield are planning their first ever Santa cycle ride - a bike ride of only five kilometres around one of Hampshire’s most popular and picturesque parks.

The event takes place tomorrow at Royal Victoria Country Park - and with two circuits of only 3.2 miles it’s open to everyone to take part.

Santa’s elves will meet at the park’s oak barbecue area at 10am ready to hand out Santa suits, with the race starting at 11am.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children and include a medal, festive treats, and the Santa suit. Family tickets are available for £25 (two adults and two children).

Breast Cancer Haven advise that a helmet must be worn at all times while you are on your bike.

All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult who is also a participant on the track at all times.