ELVES and reindeer will be running around the streets and in private gardens as festive fund raising gets into full swing.

We might be in lockdown with coronavirus threatening to dramatically change our Christmas plans.

But that won’t stop the Elf Dash or Reindeer Run taking place - they’ll just be a bit different.

Organisers of the two virtual events hope they will be embraced by the public to allow their vital fund raising work to continue.

The Poole hospital Charity Elf Dash is set to take place on Sunday December 6 with the aim of raising £25,000.

The charity hopes cash raised will buy six special items to benefit different areas around the hospital.

Money will also be used to buy presents for people who are in hospital on Christmas Day.

Participants are encouraged to don their elf costumes and safely dash round their local area or garden.

Sara Fripp, Poole Hospital Charity fundraising manager, said: “We are excited to welcome back our annual Elf Dash, now in its fifth year. Although our festive events can’t take place as usual, we hope that by holding the Elf Dash virtually, participants can still dress up and have a fun filled day.

“We understand how difficult this year has been and we have been overwhelmed with the wonderful support shown for our NHS during these extraordinary times.”

Registration costs £5 and participants will receive a free downloadable race bib to personalise, a certificate and a finishers medal. Crackers the Elf will also be giving away a free elf hat to the first 75 participants who raise a minimum of £10 per person.

More information can be found at poolehospitalcharity.co.uk

The RNLI virtual Reindeer Run, is taking place on the weekend of December 12 and 13.

The annual event usually takes place at Moors Valley Country Park but can’t happen this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

A spokesman for the RNLI said: “We’re asking people of all ages to get involved and run or walk either 1K, 5K, or 10K.

“Plan your own route and run at any time over the weekend, as long as you are running within current government COVID guidelines.

“It’s free to enter - all we ask is for participants to raise sponsorship for the RNLI, to help us save lives at sea.”

Further details of how to enter the Reindeer Run will be released in the coming week.