HUNDREDS of Santas will run through the streets of Helensburgh this weekend as part of a series of events for the town's Winter Festival.

On Sunday the Helensburgh and District Round Table will host its Santa Dash. Those wanting feeling fit enough to take part in the challenge should register online at  www.santadash2015.eventzilla.net/ 

The cost for taking part is £11 for adults and £6 for children.

Runners can bring their registration details to Helensburgh Swimming Pool on Friday, November 27 between 6.30pm and 8pm; Saturday, November 28 between 11am and 1pm and Sunday, November 29 between 9.30am and 11am.

Santa Dashers will meet at Colquhoun Square at midday and Angie MacFarlane from Fit For Life will lead the warm-up before the event starts at 12.30pm.

A spokesman from the Helensburgh and District Round Table said: “Even if you aren’t dashing, please come down and support the Santas as they set off through the streets of our fair town.

“The event is split into two with a 4k dash for big Santas and a 2k dash for smaller Santas, however there are medals and treats for all sizes of Santa taking part and every entrant gets their own Santa suit.”

The Santa Dash is held as part of Helensburgh's Winter Festival.

To kick off the fourth annual festival on Saturday, Santa will arrive at the pier head at 10.45am.

He will then make his way to the Buffet Shop in Colquhoun Square at 11am, where he will meet children and hand out presents at his grotto - with all proceeds being donated to Parklands School.

Owner of the Buffet Shop, Michael Curley said the event made £1000 last year, which he hoped would be beaten this year.

The festival will include a Christmas street market in Colquhoun Square featuring 100 stalls, the return of the popular ice skating rink and a giant snow globe.

A packed entertainment programme over the weekend will feature performances from the Helensburgh Dorian Choir, the Military Wives Choir and the Helensburgh Orchestral Society Winter Concert among many.

Helensburgh Swim and Health Centre will be holding getting people in shape through a variety of fitness classes this Saturday, November 28.

There will be free gym inductions throughout the day, spin in the gym at 10am, 12pm and 2pm and Hatton boxing demos in Colquhoun Square at 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Free inflatable fun sessions will also take place at Helensburgh Swimming Pool between 1pm and 1.45pm and 2pm and 2.45pm. The sessions are for over-eights only.

A Christmas Cracker Pass will also be available with more details available at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/swimming.

Helensburgh Central Councillor Aileen Morton, policy lead for sustainable economic growth, said: “With well over 100 stalls at this year’s bigger and better Winter Festival, new shops opening across the town and pop-up shops opening just in time for the festival this weekend Helensburgh is definitely the place to get your Christmas shopping done! “