The last autumn leaves are yet to fall, but one Abbots Langley family is already in the Christmas spirit having signed up for this years charity Santa Dash.

The Rodrigues family, of Hazelwood Lane, have already signed up for the festive fundraiser, which takes place in Hemel Hempstead on Sunday, December 13.

This will be the fifth year running that the family, Dad Ken, Mum Sarah and their children Lucy and Ethan, have taken part in the race, which sees hundreds of people race dressed as Santa Claus, to raise money for the Hospice of St Francis.

Ken Rodrigues said: "When I first saw the Santa Dash advertised four years ago I thought it would be a laugh to get into a Santa outfit, rope the family in and run down Hemel Hempstead High Street whilst raising money for a worthy cause.

"The event exceeded our expectations and our whole family have been doing it every year since."

The 42-year-old added: "The Dash has taken on more poignancy now as my father lost his battle with cancer last year. Although he passed away too quickly to be admitted to the Hospice of St Francis, it was this life event that made me fully appreciate the fantastic work the NHS, Macmillan, social services and hospices do.

"Besides getting into a Santa outfit and spending an hilarious couple of hours running around Hemel - doing the Santa Dash is a reminder of how precious life is.

"Just by giving up a small amount of your time and donating what you can afford goes a long way to helping families who are going through a much tougher time than you, especially at Christmas time."

The 2.5mile race starts at 10am at Riverside.

Event organiser, Nicky Hamilton-Braithwaite, said: "As well as hoards of Santas, last year we had huskies, pugs, cockapoodles and labradoodles dashing for us and are hoping more well-behaved family dogs will join in the fun this year.

"The Santa Dash marks the start of Christmas celebrations for people - it’s a fabulous family event with a cheery festive atmosphere, everyone’s in high spirits and anybody can join the fun. Furthermore, every penny that’s raised through people’s fundraising goes towards our patient care at Christmas time."

Every dasher will receive a hot drink and mince pie at the finish line with treats for the children and dogs.

For more information or to sign up click here.