RESIDENTS and traders are being encouraged to get behind a festive fundraiser.

With less than 40 days to go until Christmas, organisers of Mold’s Annual Santa Dash are encouraging people to sign up and take part in the fun run.

Now in its fourth year, the event takes place on Sunday, December 9 at 10.30am from Daniel Owen Square.

Video and images by Rick Matthews

More than 400 Santas are expected to dash around the town, filling the streets with a sea of red and festive cheer as people of all ages and abilities carry out the dash which covers a 1.4 mile circular route around the town.

To help spread the message the mayor of Mold Councillor Karen Hodgkinson, deputy mayor Councillor Tim Maunders and town council caretaker Peter Jones took to the streets of Mold to share some Christmas cheer as they dressed up in festive outfits and visited a few of the town’s traders.

Councillor Hodgkinson said: “On the morning of the Santa Dash it’s great to see the community come together, people of all ages dressed up in their festive outfits having fun.

"I’d like to encourage as many as possible to join in this year including some of our fantastic traders and businesses as well as local groups and residents.

"All proceeds from the event will go towards my mayoral appeal and will benefit the Mold community.”

Organised by Mold Town Council, this year proceeds from the entrance fee will go to the mayor's fundraising appeal ‘save a life, make a difference’.

The main beneficiary from the appeal will be The Counselling Hub.

Paula Ringeval Johnson, counsellor and founder of the Mold based charity, said: “We are delighted the mayor has chosen to support The Counselling Hub and look forward to working with Cllr Hodgkinson and Mold Town Council on a number of fundraising activities and new initiatives for Mold during her Mayoral year.

"The Counselling Hub provide social inclusion for vulnerable people effected by suicide, self harm and depression and our aim is to raise mental awareness in Mold which is unfortunately very much needed in this area.”

Mold Santa Dash is suitable for all ages and abilities and entry fee is £10 per person (for age 12 years and over) which includes a one-size-fits-all Santa suit.

Children under 12-years-old can take part free of charge but must complete an entry form and are asked to provide their own festive outfit.

Those taking part can choose whether to run, jog or walk and will be rewarded at the end of the race with a medal and certificate.

The Santa Dash will start at 10.30am on the day with the 'great Santa warm-up' held on the square with Emma Knox-Jones from Elite Dance and Fitness Studios.

Entrance forms and terms and conditions can be downloaded from the town council website by visiting www.moldtowncouncil.org.uk

Alternatively email supportofficer@moldtowncouncil.org.uk to request one to be sent, or call into the Town Council office on Earl Road to pick up a form.

Registration is now open and all entry forms are requested to be returned by November 30.

For those wishing to get involved but not participate in the dash can volunteer to help marshal the route. Anyone interested in volunteering to help on the morning or for more information in general, contact Jane Evans on 01352 758532 or email supportofficer@moldtowncouncil.org.uk