Dame Tanni will start Santa Run

It is amazing to think that this event now attracts so many people of all ages and disabilities from all over the world Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson

Britain's most successful paralympian will start the world record-breaking Santa Run in Powys later this year.

Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson will wave off more than 4,000 people dressed in red santa suits in Newtown on 4 December.

Dame Tanni, who is expected to wear a santa suit to start the race, said the event's success was a "fantastic achievement for all involved".

The Santa Run, officially recognised by Guinness World Records in May, will celebrate its fifth birthday this year.

Dame Tanni said: "I have been watching the Santa Run for the past four years and I have seen it has grow larger every year.

"Wales is the home of the international Santa Run and it is amazing to think that this event now attracts so many people of all ages and disabilities from all over the world and that it holds a record - what a fantastic achievement for all involved."

Dame Tanni, 35, who has won 16 medals including 11 golds, added that she was "really looking forward to it".

The race raises thousands of pounds for charity

There will also be a Guinness World Record attempt for the most people playing with yo-yos at the same time at this year's race.

Dougie Bancroft, of Newtown's Dial-a-Ride, which organises the event, said the athlete would be inspirational.

"We are so please to have such a very talented lady to start this year's Santa Run and seeing Tanni with all those santas getting ready to run should inspire many more people to attend the day," he said.

A record breaking 4,260 Santas took part in the 4.5-mile race last December.