One of Lancashire's most popular festive charity events is back and places are quickly filling up.
Lancashire Mind's Mental Elf fun run returns to Worden Park in Leyland on Saturday, November 29.
More than 350 elves, aged between one and 73, have already signed up for the festive event which raised £17,500 last year.
There are fewer than 100 tickets remaining, either for the 5K run, the Mini Elf 2K or a Challenge YoursElf route where runners can choose their distance.
The fancy dress run, now in its 12th year and participants can also expect face painting and craft stations, live music and dance performances, plus festive boosts along the route.
The concept of the Mental Elf fun run was created by Lancashire Mind and is now replicated by more than 40 other local Mind charities across the country.
All proceeds from the fun run go directly to supporting Lancashire Mind's life-changing mental health services.
Community and events fundraiser at Lancashire Mind, Nicola Tomkins said: "Mental Elf is a truly heartwarming family event which spreads festive cheer and puts smiles on faces. It is all about coming together as a community to do something that's good for you, whilst making a real difference to the lives of people who need mental health support."
The event is backed by several businesses, led by Preston-based SPAR wholesaler James Hall & Co. Ltd as the headline sponsor once again.
The fancy dress run, now in its 12th year, is always a huge hit with families (Image: Lancashire Mind)
Marketing manager at James Hall & Co. Ltd, Philippa Harrington, said: "We look forward to seeing elves of all ages running in their hundreds to raise important funds for better mental health for people who live and work in Lancashire."
Every runner who crosses the finish line will receive a wooden medal, which doubles as a Christmas tree decoration, thanks to sponsorship from Blackburn-based fulfilment and logistics provider, Granby.
Charlotte Booth, head of people and finance, said: "Mental Elf is more than a fun run - it's a celebration of community, movement, and the outdoors, raising vital funds for a brilliant local charity doing incredible work across our county."
Preston and Chorley-based solicitors Marsden Rawsthorn are sponsoring the event for the second year, this time as media sponsor.
Ellie Cliffe, said: "Wellbeing is at the heart of who we are as a law firm, and we know it goes well beyond the workplace. We believe mental health should be supported, understood and celebrated."
As well as a medal, every runner will also get a Lancashire Mind goody bag, sponsored by live-in care provider Promedica24 (Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire), based in Rawtenstall.
Owner Gary Derbyshire said: "We believe mental health deserves the same attention and compassion as physical care. Sponsoring Lancashire Mind's Mental Elf event is our way of celebrating community, raising awareness, and reminding everyone that wellbeing starts with connection, empathy, and a little festive fun."
Tom Smith, founder and CEO of Blackpool-based digital marketing agency, Complete, is proud to sponsor the route for a second year and said: "Positive well-being is really important to me and my team. I'm always searching for more ways to boost team morale and have placed a lot of focus on it in recent years, which has resulted in increased motivation and allows us to continue offering clients the best service possible.
"If you want to take part in a fun, festive challenge to raise vital funds for an amazing charity, then I'd highly recommend signing up for this year's Mental Elf event."
Luke Ryan, who takes care of digital marketing at start and finish line sponsor, Essential Industrial Services, based at Walton Summit, near Preston, said: "It's always a great time to participate in and support Lancashire Mind and Mental Elf. Mental Elf gives us and others the chance to help our community while embracing the festive spirit."