A FESTIVE fun run is returning to raise vital funds for a homeless charity.

The Braintree and Great Notley 5k Santa Run, in aid of Hope House Essex, will be returning to Great Notley Country Park.

The popular event is now in its fifth year, having returned to Great Notley Country Park in 2021 after a virtual event in 2020, with hundreds of Santas joining in to raise valuable funds for the work carried out by Hope House.

The issue of homelessness has been made worse by the cost of living crisis, with people unable to pay rent.

It has also made it harder for those already homeless, or those trying to get back on their feet.

Hope House has two bases in Braintree where they offer a temporary home to those who find themselves homeless.

During their stay, residents receive assistance with job seeking, searching for more permanent accommodation, as well as help to address any other issues they may be experiencing.

The charity has also expanded its work to include supporting those residents who have moved on, to try to make sure that the cycle of homelessness is permanently broken, as well as building up an emergency fund for people they are unable to house, but who need help with securing rental accommodation.

This year, runners can enter for free when they set up a sponsorship page with Facebook Donate or another fundraising site if signed up with Eventbrite.

There are also prizes for the Santas that raise the most money.

The individual who raises the most sponsorship money will win a Christmas hamper from Phoenix, Braintree, the group of up to eight adults which raises the most money will win a beer-tasting session with Maldon's Mighty Oak Brewery, and the group of up to eight under-18s that raises the most money will win two games of ten-pin bowling at Namco Funscape at Braintree Village.

Santa suits are available to collect at the event, or runners can dress in any festive outfits they choose.

The run begins at 1pm on Sunday, December 11. For more information, visit bit.ly/3tBNMli.