ANYONE in Taunton town centre earlier today (Wednesday, August 31) could be forgiven for wondering if this year had passed by a bit quicker than they'd realised.

They'd certainly have had a double take if they'd spotted Santa in Castle Green in the morning.

It was in fact Taunton Deane Mayor Vivienne Stock-Williams dressed as the man in red to help promote a charity fundraising event this Christmas.

Even though the festive season is almost four months away, organisers are already drumming up support for Children's Hospice South West's much-loved Santa Run in the county town.

This year the run is taking place through the town centre on the evening of December 8, one of the late-night shopping Thursdays when an open-air Christmas market will also be staged.

Paula Garrett, community fundraiser at Children's Hospice South West, said: "Our Santa Runs are so popular and we are absolutely delighted to be part of Taunton’s amazing Christmas calendar this year.

"Throughout 2016 we are celebrating 25 years of Children’s Hospice South West, and we’re hoping everyone will make a real effort to get tinsel-tastic."

The fun, festive run is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and support the charity which provides care for life-limited children and their families across the region.

You can run, jog or walk the two-kilometre route, and there will be prizes for the best fancy dress - so you’ll need to dig out your tinsel early.

To enter, it’s just £15 for adults and £7.50 for children aged over three, with a family ticket for £37.50, which includes your Santa suit and special 25th CHSW anniversary commemorative medal.

The run will start from Castle Green at 6.30pm on Thursday, December 8, where there will be an event village with lots of fun and entertainment.

You can register online at www.chsw.org.uk/santas