A TEAM of firefighters from across Merseyside are swapping their fire kit for Santa suits for the world’s biggest festive fun run.

They will join thousands of runners for the 12th annual Medicash Santa Dash in Liverpool on Sunday, December 6.

The team is made up of operational and support staff, and also includes six community support apprentices who are raising funds for the Fire Fighters Charity.

They are John Bilbao, Isaac Santos-Munn, Lewis Reid, Emily Thomson, Ellie Williams and Alexander Williams, who are stationed at Wallasey, Belle Vale, Sefton and St Helens community fire stations.

Group manager Gary Oakford said: "We use the Santa Dash as a fantastic way to encourage healthy and active lifestyles at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service.

"We started taking part in 2008 following our hosting of the World Firefighters Games in Liverpool the same year, and now the Santa Dash has become a real highlight of our year. It’s a fun way for us to take part in an activity together as a team."

The 12th annual Medicash Santa Dash starts at 9.30am and is open to all. 

The 5K fun run route will runners through the city centre, before they enjoy a festive grandstand finish outside Liverpool Town Hall.

There will also be 1K Mini Dash for youngsters aged 12 and under, starting in Castle Street at approximately 11am, once the main Santa Dash has finished.

Liverpool earned the World Santa Challenge title last year when 8,846 Santas took part – making it the world’s biggest festive fun run.

Las Vegas had held the title since 2011. Now organisers BTR Liverpool are hoping to attract 10,000 Santas to keep the title in Liverpool.

Funds will be split between Radio City's Cash For Kids, Claire House Children's Hospice, Everton in the Community; Jospice; and Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

Sponsor forms are available from BTR Liverpool or fundraisers can set up an online fundraising page at www.everydayhero.co.uk/event/supportbtrfootsteps

To register for the Santa Dash, visit www.btrliverpool.com