THE Rainbow Run, a fun event with a colourful twist, is coming to Poole in May.

Naomi House and Jacksplace children’s hospices near Winchester are offering runners the chance to take part in a 3km run at Baiter Park, during which they will be pelted with bucket loads of multi-coloured powered paint as they walk or jog around the waterfront route.

Scheduled for Sunday, May 10, it will be the first Rainbow Run to take place in the county and money raised will go towards the charity’s Caterpillar Appeal, to fully refurbish the Sutton Scotney hospice building.

With four paint stations along the route, participants who traditionally wear white t-shirts accessorized with colourful wigs, hats, tutus and leggings, are guaranteed to end up covered in powdered paint.

“The Dorset Rainbow Run is going to be one of the biggest events we have ever organised and we are really excited to be bringing this spectacle to the beautiful Baiter Park,” said Nicole Denison, events fundraiser.

“We have great supporters across the whole of Dorset and can’t wait to see them at this spectacular new event. We would urge people to sign up soon to secure their place and do their bit to support the region’s most seriously ill children.”

The charity’s Southampton Rainbow Run in 2014 attracted around 1,000 participants and raised close to £40,000 towards the hospice’s appeal.

Organisers are hoping the Baiter run will raise more than £30,000 towards the building work which is due to be completed later this year.

Registration for the event is now open and pre-booked places cost £12 for adults and £8 for children. It will begin at 11am and is open to anyone over the age of eight. The paint used is made from a safe and biodegradable form of potato starch.

For information, and to sign up visit the website caterpillarppeal.org.uk