TV’s DIY star Tommy Walsh is ringing the starting bell for a ‘penguin dash’ in aid of an east London children’s hospice.

The BBC Groundforce presenter waves the green flag for the Christmas Dash at Spitalfields Market on Thursday evening in aid of Richard House hospice in Beckton.

Tommy, who is patron of the hospice, kicks off the fundraiser at 6pm with 200 volunteers running around the market dressed as penguins.

All money raised goes towards keeping services going for the 300 youngsters with life-threatening illnesses and their families from all over London and the Home Counties who use Richard House.

Volunteers who can run, walk or jog the 2k route can enter online at www.richardhouse.org.uk or email BenA@richardhouse.org.uk. Entry is �15 and minimum sponsorship is �100.