The Santa FunRun planned for Chatham Historic Dockyard this Sunday has been cancelled due to fears over the Omicron variant.

Refunds are being offered to those who have booked a place and a Father Christmas suit for the major fundraiser organised by the Rotary Club of Medway.

Spokesman Geoff Harvey said: "We are very disappointed to cancel the event which we know many families were looking forward to. However, we could not risk spoiling someone’s Christmas if they caught the virus.

"Although it was to be outside in the fresh air, the advice we were given was to avoid large groups of people in confined spaces."

Plans are being considered for a new fundraising event next year when the restrictions will hopefully be less severe.

The popular event raises funds for the club's children’s hospice holidays which provides EuroDisney breaks for ill youngsters and their families.

People who had booked places for Sunday will be offered a full refund via email.

The dockyard was to have played host to up to 600 Santas over a 1km course.

The run, which last took place in 2019, includes a parade and live entertainment.