THE lifting of foot-and-mouth restrictions has kept an annual event on the region's calendar this Christmas.

The 17th Loftus Christmas Poultry Run will take place on Sunday, December 16, and race organisers, Loftus Athletics Club and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, had drawn up a new road route as an alternative to the normal all-terrain course.

However, the lifting of the restrictions means the runners - and there are 500 entrants already - can return to the popular seven-mile circular route.

The race, which begins at midday at the Loftus Leisure Centre, will also go through Easington, Boulby and Hummersea.

It promises to be quite a sight for spectators as many of the entrants have pledged to run in Father Christmas outfits.

Every finisher will receive a T-shirt and there is also a prize fund with New Balance vouchers.

There is still time for anyone wanting to enter to get their running shoes on. Admission is £8 for athletics club members and £8.50 for others.

To book a place, call the events team at Redcar and Cleveland council, on (01642) 444373.