DON’T look now... but big bearded fellas in red suits are drawing attention to themselves in Chudleigh.

A sackful of Santas at the Finlake holiday park have been seen leaping about in an energetic way, an obscure pastime for the portly globe-trotting gift giver and his crew.

It transpires a group of them are training for a 5km fun run to raise funds for the Rowcroft Hospice tomorrow.

They comprise of staff from the Kier Construction firm, Trago Mills and fit fellows from Finlake.

The Santa Run is the first to be held in the holiday park and will give participants the chance to walk, jog or sprint around the grounds while dressed in a Santa suit.

A run spokesman said: ‘Entries can be as individuals or teams, making it a fun family day out or, for the seriously competitive runners, a chance to run a new route.

‘For those who would like to see the Santa spectacle, cheer on their friends, colleagues and families but don’t want to get their running shoes on, they are welcome to enjoy the facilities at Finlake.’

The Santa suits, which have been donated by Trago in support of the run, are included in the entry price and entrants can keep them afterwards.

Rowcroft Hospice spokesman Debbi Shotton said: ‘More than 70 per cent of our funding comes from the incredible generosity of local people and we use every single penny of it to help make every day the best day possible for our patients and loved ones.

‘We are so grateful to Kier, Finlake Holiday Park and Trago for supporting us through this event – and we are sure it is going to be a really fun and successful day.’

Brian Doherty, general manager of Finlake Holiday Park, said: ‘We are delighted to open the park to members of the public in order to raise money for such a great local charity.’

Trago chairman Bruce Robertson chipped in: ‘As a south west retailer that has been a part of the local community for 50 years, we’re delighted to join with Kier and Finlake in supporting this event, which is for a very worthy cause. I wish all the participants the best of luck.’

Registering for this event has now closed. More information is available on www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk.