The town will be turned into sea of red again this year after the inaugural Santa Run was such a success and organisers are adding a new event for youngsters.

The Rotary Club of Reading have again decided to organise the 5km race through the streets of central Reading.

This year children under the age of 10 will be able to enter for a 1.5km mini dash also dressed in a red suit before the main run.

On Sunday, December 6, around 1,500 people dressed as the jovial man who appears just once a year will be crossing the starting line at Forbury Gardens.

They will follow a route through Broad Street, and the Oracle as well as along the path of the Kennet and Avon Canal.

They will then return victorious at the finishing line next to the Maiwand Lion where each participant will receive a medal and a goody bag.

Organiser David Gibbins said last year a massive £25,000 was raised for several charities in the county with 80 per cent divided between Alexander Devine Children's House Hospice and Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.

Other charities that received cash included No. 5 Reading, Catsypp, Dingley Children's Centre, Crossroads, Multiple Sclerosis Society and The Ollie Young Foundation.

For the 2016 race the two main charities that will benefit from the money raised are Daisy's Dream, that helps bereaved children, and again the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.

Mr Gibbins said: "Last year we had just over 1,000 runners and this year we aim to have more and would love to have 1,500 people registered to run.

"As well we have the new mini Santa run where we would love to see lots of under 10s come and have a go too.

"For our first event it went extremely well and raised £25,000 for local charities.

"We had lots of lovely comments about the day from people saying they had really enjoyed the run around the streets of central Reading."

The run is not timed and their will be awards for the first three men and women across the line.

The minimum age for the 5k race is 10 and in the mini race under 8s must be accompanied by an adult who purchase a suit suit too.

There are three tiers of corporate sponsorship and there is the possibility of sponsors having a presence in the form of a stand or gazebo in Forbury Gardens, Mr Gibbins said.

Registration is £15 for the 5k run and £7.50 for the mini run and can be completed by visiting http://www.readingsantarun.co.uk.