KINDHEARTED Santas running in a charity event will be rewarded with medals as they cross the finish line, thanks to Crewe business Concorde Trophies.

The Victoria Street shop has agreed to sponsor the Nantwich event with trophies as prizes.

Owners Jenny Zwijnen and Brenda Williams will be donating winners’ memorabilia for the first male and female in the 5K and 2.5K races, the top fundraiser, and the fastest team of four.

And just to prove they really are good sports, Jenny will be running the event herself on Sunday December 20.

She said: “I’ve never ran in a race like this before but I am determined to get fit because I am planning to swim the English Channel next year for charity as part of a relay team.

“The Santa Dash is good exercise and preparation.

"It also sounds hilarious and everyone will be in good spirits in the run up to Christmas.

“Railway Children is an existing customer as we supply medals and trophies for the charity’s Three Peaks Challenge every year.

“When we heard that they were organising a local winter event – the Cheshire Santa Dash – we thought it would be a nice gesture to give something back, so we offered to donate the trophies.”

Jenny will be joining hundreds of runners at the event – all dressed head-to-toe in red outfits, belts, hats and beards.

The dash will start and finish in Nantwich Town Square – incorporating pedestrianised areas and local streets including, Beam Street, Oatmarket, Pepper Street, Waterlode, Mill Street, High Street, Churchyard Side, Monks Lane and South Crofts.

Roc Capener of the Railway Children said: "We are extremely grateful to Concorde for their generous donation and we’re sure Jenny will also have a great time taking part in the Santa Dash.

“Approximately one in nine children under the age of 16 run away from home every year in the UK.

"Fleeing abusive and violent homes, they are never reported missing and are forced into crime, drugs and prostitution just to survive.

“If we act now, we can really make a huge difference.

"In fact, every runner like Jenny could help save a child from life on the streets.”

The Santa Dash event will also include carol singing, mulled-wine, mince pies, a brass band, face-painting and ice-skating.

Children under 10 can take part in the ‘dash’ free of charge.

There is a running fee of £15 for adults and £12.50 for youngsters aged 10 and over, and this includes a free Santa suit, sports goody bag and medal.

The dash fee will cover the cost of putting on the event and then each ‘Santa’ will be asked to raise £20 sponsorship.

To take part in the charity event, visit www.railwaychildren.org.uk/santadash.