HAMPSHIRE goes Santa crazy this weekend as thousands of red-suited figures take to the streets to raise money for charity.

Towns and cities across the county are staging Santa Runs tomorrow in a fun-filled attempt to raise huge sums of money for local good causes, including a children’s hospice.

More than 100 Father Christmas lookalikes will assemble on Southampton Common at 2pm for an event staged by RunCamp.

Organisers are hoping to raise at least £3,000 for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, which helps past and present servicemen.

A similar event is taking place in Lymington in aid of the town’s Oakhaven Hospice.

The annual Santa Dash will start and finish in Lymington High Street, with a record 1,000 runners lining up in a bid to raise about £15,000.

Last year’s event attracted nearly 700 Santas and netted £10,000 for the hospice, which relies heavily on money donated by the public.

Oakhaven spokesman Mike Denny said: “It’s one of the most amazing spectacles – hundreds of people dressed as Santa massing for the start.

“Entry includes a one-size-fits-all Santa suit, a goodie bag for the children and refreshments sponsored by Nick Cox Yacht Chandlery.”

Oakhaven’s fundraising events manager Paula Cheshire added: “This is a fun community event and our thanks go to our main sponsors John D Wood, plus High Street traders and our friends at Lymington Chamber of Commerce.”

The event starts at 11.30am but the High Street will be closed from 10am to enable preparations to take place.

Santas will also be lining up in Winchester to raise money for Naomi House and Jacksplace, the children’s hospice in nearby Sutton Scotney.

About 500 people are expected to take part in the Winchester Santa Fun Run, which starts outside the Guildhall at 9.30am.

A Naomi House spokesman said: “Our 2013 Santa Fun Run attracted 330 participants and raised more than £20,500.

“This year’s event is sold out and we estimate that it will raise more than £30,000 towards our work.”