FRESH from switching on the St Albans Christmas lights, panto star Sarah Jane Honeywell has another date in her diary – launching the first Jingle Bell Jog in aid of Grove House. A fun event for the whole family, it is being held at 11am on December 6 and

FRESH from switching on the St Albans Christmas lights, panto star Sarah Jane Honeywell has another date in her diary - launching the first Jingle Bell Jog in aid of Grove House.

A fun event for the whole family, it is being held at 11am on December 6 and involves running, jogging or walking around the lake in Verulamium Park.

To get in the festive spirit, the adults will be provided with Santa suits and the children with reindeer ears, flashing noses and jingle bells.

Sarah Jane, who is appearing as the Little Mermaid at the Alban Arena this Christmas, will be starting off the event and said: "I was delighted to be asked to start the first-ever Grove House Jingle Bell Jog. Having heard about the work of the hospice I was keen to lend my support to the charity.

"The event sounds like it is going to be great fun and I am looking forward to seeing everyone dressed in their reindeer ears and Santa suits on December 6."

Organiser Kathryn Wash said: "The event is aimed at everyone from toddlers to grandparents and participants are able to choose from a gentle lap around the lake or a slightly more strenuous 3k route. We are expecting the event to attract several hundred people who will be sponsored by family and friends for their efforts."

The Jingle Bell Jog follows on the success of events such as the Herts 10K and Midnight Walk which have raised over �600,000 for the hospice since they started. Although that might seem a large sum of money, it is dwarfed in comparison to the �1.5 million the St Albans hospice needs to raise each year to continue offering its services to the local community.

Entrance to the event costs �10 per adult, �5 per child or �30 for a family of up to two adults and three children. There will also be a Christmas market and a visit from Father Christmas in his grotto at the Inn on the Park. To book a place call 01727 731002 or visit www.grove-house.org.uk/jingle