(Image: Supplied)
Pub staff are aiming to walk the equivalent of the distance from the North Pole to a North East regular in a festive fundraising challenge inspired by Santa Claus.
The Runhead team in Ryton, Tyne Valley, will cover around 2,420 miles by walking five million steps between them.
Mark Johnson, business manager at The Runhead, said: "Although our staff are front and centre of this challenge to cover the same distance that Santa does when he travels from the North Pole to Ryton, I’m sure we would welcome a little help.
"If anyone would like to join our team then do get in touch and, obviously, if you would like to help us help children in our region affected by cancer, then do please dig deep and support us.
"The pub will be packed when he crosses the finish line and we switch on the Christmas lights and I’m sure that thought will keep us going as we complete the challenge."
The challenge starts on October 12 and is due to finish before the pub’s Christmas Light Switch-On event at 5pm on November 26.
A mobile app will track every step, while a progress board inside the pub will keep customers updated.
The team hopes to hit five million steps before the lights are switched on.
The challenge will raise money for Children’s Cancer North, the Malhotra Group’s chosen charity.
The Runhead has set up a JustGiving page, with all money raised going to the charity.
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The Christmas Light Switch-On will feature live music from the Ryton Singers, free mulled wine and hot chocolate, face painting and stalls selling locally made goods.
Santa Claus will also be there to collect children’s letters. Newcastle-based leisure operator Malhotra Group plc owns the pub.
People can donate through The Runhead’s JustGiving page.