THE beautiful surroundings of Somerley House, near Ringwood, will be the venue for the Domino Appeal's festive 10k run and 5k fun run.

Lord Normanton has agreed to give over his grounds to the Daily Echo-backed appeal event, which is being held on December 30.

All entry fees will go towards the Domino Appeal's £1.2 million fund-raising drive to create the UK's first purpose-built school for children with autism in West Parley.

Lord Normanton said: "We were very happy to allow the run to be held here and it will be very nice for the runners, too, with no roads to cross."

Mike Denny, the Domino Appeal's fund-raising manager, said: "First of all we want to get as many entrants as possible and secondly we want people to come along and enjoy the run - both the serious and fun-runners."

The Portman Building Society is sponsoring the run. Entry is £4 or £5on the day. For an entry form call 01202 483360, e-mail twas.mail@talk21.com or log onto (www.thedominoappeal.com).