ENGLAND's test match opener and former captain, Alastair Cook, has encouraged everyone to take part in a Maldon charity fun run.

Cook, 32, appeared in a video published on the David Randall Foundation's Facebook page, asking people to sign up for the charity's Santa Fun Run on December 17.

The cricketer is a patron at the charity, which was set up in memory of David Randall who died of bowel cancer at the age of just 27, and aims to support people with terminal or life limiting illnesses.

Speaking in the video, Cook addresses his plans for the winter as he hopes to be selected for a seventh Ashes series.

He said: "I hope you have signed up the Santa Fun Run this Christmas. Hopefully I am in Australia trying to with the Ashes again. Otherwise, I will be with you. Please sign up. The David Randall Foundation is a great cause."

Registration for the Santa Fun Run has now opened, and people can sign up for the 5km fun run, or 3km reindeer run, until November 19.

Signing up costs £8 for children and £10 for adults, and includes your santa suit for the day.

For more information about the annual event, held in Promenade Park, Maldon, visit drfsantafunrun.org