Staff at a Bristol design firm pulled on Santa suits to get into practice for festive-themed fundraiser.

The team from Mango Consulting will be among the participants taking part in the event next month to raise money for children with life-limiting conditions.

Santas on the Run is a 2km dash starting and finishing in Bristol's Harbourside on Sunday, December 6.

All runners will wear Father Christmas outfits as they make their way through the city centre in support of Children's Hospice South West (CHSW), which provides a sanctuary for families.

Specialist nurses take charge of the care of youngsters so that their parents and siblings can take a break from the rigours of providing around- the-clock care. For many of the families it is the closest they get to a holiday due to the complex needs of their child. The charity has two hospices, the original site in Barnstaple and Charlton Farm, in Wraxall, which opened in 2007, and is fundraising for a third hospice to cover Cornwall and north Devon.

Mark Gardner, creative director at Mango, said: "Mango has always made a donation at Christmas for good causes and we are all keen runners.

"When we heard about Santas on the Run, a run for such a worthy cause we couldn't wait to sign up.

"At Mango we believe Christmas is for the children and we hope the money we raise helps to bring a smile to all those Children's Hospice South West look after."

Jane Powell, community fundraiser for CHSW, said: "Our services are free to the families who need us because we believe that nothing should get in the way of very sick children receiving the very best care.

"We rely on the generosity of our supporters to deliver our promise to make the most of short and precious lives, and taking part in this year's Santas on the Run is one way people can help to raise these vital funds."

"We were delighted when Mango Consulting contacted us and signed up to take part and, as keen runners, it looks like they may be one of the first teams to finish and pick up their goody bags."

As well as businesses getting teams together for the event, CHSW is encouraging families and groups of friends to get together and raise some money through the fun run.

Jane Crook Taylor, of Portishead, said: "I took part in the Midnight Memory Walk in September which was absolutely amazing and so really wanted to get involved in Santas on the Run for such a brilliant cause.

"Our whole family is taking part, and it's my birthday that day too, so I am really looking forward to it."

Entry for Santas on the Run is £7.50 per adult, £3.50 per child (under 13 years old) and £20 for a family registration (two adults, two children) and all runners must register in advance.

● To take part fill in the form below, register online at www.chsw.org.uk, call 01275 866600 or email events@chsw.org.uk.