PEOPLE living in Helensburgh and Lomond are being urged to take part in their own ‘reindeer run’ or ‘Santa saunter’ in support of the local branch of the RNLI.

The festive-themed fund-raising initiative will start this Saturday, December 4 and can be completed over a couple of weeks.

Linda Pender, chair of the fund-raising committee, said: “Following on from the success of last year we are asking for your support. Whether you jog from Helensburgh Pier to Rhu Marina and back, approximately 5k, meander 1k around Duchess Woods with your dog, or challenge yourself with a 10k run, or even swim, we want to hear from you.

“Help us to support our crew to save lives at sea.

“Please ensure you are socially distanced from others when you are doing your run or walk, choose quiet routes to avoid crowded spaces, and always respect the environment in which you are exercising.

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“If you can, wear your reindeer antlers or Santa hat when you are out and about, all the better.”

Participants are asked to run, jog or walk at a time and place that suits them, then make a donation to the Helensburgh RNLI via an online fund-raiser or scan the QR code on posters around the town.

Runners and walkers can also send pictures of their efforts to helensburgh@rnli.org.uk and the best will be posted on social media.

Donations can be made until December 19 at rnli.enthuse.com/pf/216d6/fundraiser.

Alternatively you can send a cheque - payable to the RNLI - to the Helensburgh Lifeboat Station, Rhu Marina, Helensburgh, G84 8LH.