PANTO villain Larry Lamb, who is playing Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Alban Arena this Christmas, will be setting off the participants in this year’s Jingle Bell Jog on Sunday, December 12.

Larry, best known for his roles as Mick in Gavin and Stacey and Archie Mitchell in EastEnders, together with his panto co-star Katy Ashworth will be starting off the event outside the Arena itself.

The Jingle Bell Jog, in aid of Grove House, begins at 11am with a 1.5km Reindeer Run for children and families followed at 11.30am by the 5km Jog for adults and children over 12. Both routes are around St Albans city centre.

Other attractions for both runners and supporters include Father Christmas who will be in his grotto from 10am to 1pm. The Waterend Barn will also be open from 8am serving teas and coffees from which a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Grove House.

Fundraising director for Grove House, Paul Parrish, said: “We would love as many residents as possible to make this a very special Christmas for the seriously ill in St Albans and Harpenden. By taking part in the Jog you can be a big part of a very special St Albans Christmas and if you can’t take part, please support those who are running by sponsoring them.”

Potential Santas and Reindeers can register online by visiting www.jinglebelljog.co.uk or by phoning the Santa Hotline on 01727 731002. Entry for the Jingle Bell Jog is �15 which includes a Santa suit to be collected when signing in on the day while entry for the Reindeer Run is �7.50 which includes Reindeer ears which are also collected on the day.

There will be a festive prize draw to enter on the day for all those who raise over �50 of sponsorship on or before December 12.