FUNDRAISERS will be getting a colourful makeover as part of a new event in aid of Havens Hospices.

Havens Hospices’ first Colour Chase will be held at 4pm on September 27 in wooded grounds surrounding the charity’s children’s hospice, Little Havens, in Daws Heath Road, Thundersley.

The event, the first of its kind in Essex, involves participants running a 5k course and trying not to get covered in coloured powder thrown by a number of masked “colour bandits’’ hiding at locations en route.

Havens Hospices’ events fundraiser Jane Hopkins, said: “Our Colour Chase is different from all the other colour runs out there. You can’t hide from them, but our masked colour-throwing bandits will be hiding from runners as they make their way around the woods.

“They will jumping out from behind trees and surprise runners by covering them in brightly-coloured paint when they least expect it.”

The charity, incorporating Fair Havens Hospice and Little Havens Hospice, hopes to attract 300 people to help raise £20,000 for the seriously ill babies, children, teenagers and adults who rely on its specialist care.

Colour Chase is open to all abilities, but runners must be aged at least 12.

Entry is £15 per person and includes a T-shirt to run in and a burger, sausage or vegetarian alternative at the celebration party, with music and other entertainment.

There will also be an opportunity to purchase bags of coloured powder at the finish line.

For more information, call Cerena on 01702 221669 or Jane on 01702 221658 or visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/ colourchase