Christmas seems to come round faster every year

As it’s November, the Diary is lifting the curfew on Christmas-related stories. The Pancake Day ban continues until early January, however.

The first of the Christmas stories this year concerns bookmaker William Hill, which wants to find the UK’s fastest Santa. The one-furlong race will be held on December 3 at Sandown Park racecourse, with the winner being awarded a minimum of &£1,000 for their club or charity. In the race, the Santas will be required to negotiate obstacles and deliver presents.

So if you fancy dashing through the snow in aid of a good cause, William Hill is still looking for businesses to be represented in the “Santa Sprint”. After all, if William Hill doesn’t get enough entries, it may be forced to attach a red nose and antlers to the horses for one of the races, and no one should have that on their conscience.