Lord Richard Attenborough directed the Oscar-winning Gandhi

One of Britain's best-loved actors and directors, Lord Richard Attenborough, and former television presenter John Leslie, could be lining up to help promote a charity Christmas run in Newtown.

Organisers of the Santa Run said they are optimistic 80-year-old film legend Lord Attenborough, known affectionately throughout the entertainment world as Dickie, would attend on the day to promote the event.

And they hope Leslie will take part in the 4.5 mile dash which sees competitors don Father Christmas costumes and run through the town.

The event is being run by Newtown and district Dial-a-Ride, a transport service for elderly and disabled people with mobility problems.

The charity hope to break the existing Guinness Book of Records category, 'Most Santas in one place at one time,' which was set in Sweden last year when 2,658 people assembled dresses as Father Christmas.

"Lord Attenborough has been absolutely brilliant - I think he would make the perfect Father Christmas." Dougie Bancroft, Dial-a-Ride's manager

This years more than 3,000 men, women and children are registered for the run which takes place on Sunday, 7 December.

Last year the Santa Run, launched in 2001, attracted 1,000 runners and raised �60,000.

Dougie Bancroft, Dial-a-Ride's manager, said former Blue Peter presenter Leslie, who is trying to rebuild his professional career after sex assault charges against were dropped in July, was keen to make his first public appearance at the event.

He said: "Lord Attenborough has been absolutely brilliant and he is keen to come although he is recovering at the moment from a cataract operation.

'He's going to let us know next week if he will be able to support us.

"I think he would make the perfect Father Christmas."

The Santa Run was the brainchild of Dougie Bancroft

Mr Bancroft said weather presenter Sian Lloyd and her MP partner Lembit Opik would be attending.

The Guinness Book of Record stipulates that those attempting the record must wear a red Santa costume with matching hats, fake white beards and black belts.

Set up in 1991, Dial-a-Ride makes more than 14,000 journeys a year and also delivers thousands of meals-on-wheels.

Mr Bancroft said he hopes the run will raise more than �100,000 this year which supports a host of charities apart from his own.

Anyone who wants more information on the Santa Run can contact Dougie Bancroft on 01686 622 566.