IT’S been a highlight of the local festive season for several years – and now charity fundraisers are calling on residents to get involved in the 2012 Basingstoke Santa Jog.

It is hoped that scores of Santas will turn Eastrop Park into a sea of red as they take part in the annual British Heart Foundation (BHF) fundraiser, which is being held a little earlier than usual.

People of all shapes and sizes are being invited to don a Santa costume complete with fluffy beard on Sunday, November 25 and to run or walk up to five times around the 1km route.

Now in its fourth year, the Basingstoke jog raises much-needed funds for the BHF. People are being invited to get together with their family, friends or work colleagues for the event, which last year saw 120 people making their way around the park.

Organisers are hoping that this year’s run, which will start at 2pm, will be even more successful.

Mary Bareham, BHF’s fundraising and volunteer manager, said: “It’s really important that people take part.

“They will be raising money for critical work done by the charity and will also be taking part in a fun family event.”

Registration on the day will open at 1pm and a mass warm-up will be held at 1.45pm before the jog gets under way.

The route is suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and dogs under tight control and on leads.

Entry before the day is £10 for people aged 14 and over, including a Santa suit, and £5 for under-14s.

On the day, entry for those aged 14 and over will be £15, including a Santa suit, and £5 for children under the age of 14.

Children are invited to come along in fancy dress and there will be a prize given for the best costume.

All of the entry fee goes towards the cost of running the event safely, so participants are also encouraged to raise money for the charity through sponsorship.

Online sponsorship pages can be set up at justgiving.com/bhf.

Pre-registration is now open online and will close on on Monday. For more information, visit bhf.org.uk and click on events.