DESPITE being nearly 3,000 miles away from the North Pole, hundreds of Santas are expected to flock to Southampton Common this month.

Fundraisers will sports their best festive wear as they take on the annual Southampton Santa Fun Run on November 25.

Now in its third year, runners and walkers will take on a 3km route through the Common before crossing the victorious finish line.

Organisers say the fun is the south's jolliest running event which will get even the grumpiest of Grinchs into the festive spirit.

It's all in aid of Naomi House & Jacksplace, a hospice for children and young adults.

The charity provides expert hospice care to more than 325 life-limited and life-threatened children, young people and their extended families from Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire, West Sussex, Surrey and the Isle of Wight.

It costs £11,000 to run a full service from our hospices each day, including Christmas Day, so those running will raise money to help the charity continue its work.

If people are unable to get involved in Southampton, a similar fun run will take place the following week in Winchester.

The Winchester route begins at the Guildhall from 9.30am and take participants on a 5km trail through the city's iconic streets.

To take part, adults aged 16-years-old and above pay £20 and those aged below pay £15.

The entry fee covers the cost of your place, a Santa suit to wear, and a medal, so the charity asks each participant aims to raise £50.

Both fun runs will host a warm up at 9.15am and the actual race will begin at 9.30am.

To find out more email hello@naomihouse.org.uk.