Hero saves the day in college visit

The cartoon hero was among a host of personalities who took part in a non-uniform day at Felpham Community College.

He was joined by a posse of pixies, some elves, an angel or two and a Christmas present for which Phoebe Welham was chosen as the best fancy dress wearer.

The event which captured their imaginations is expected to have raised at least 1,000 to help the work of Dreams Come True.

The charity turns the dreams of terminally or seriouslly-ill children into reality.

It was backed by the Observer for the paper's Christmas appeal

Teacher Nicole Matthews, who is in charge of the college's charity work, said the 200-plus sixth formers had to pay 2 if they wore school uniforms for the day.

The charge for them was 1 for fancy dress. Other pupils also had to pay 1 for being able to leave their uniforms at home.

Some teachers also joined in. Ms Matthews dressed as a schoolgirl.

She said: 'The sixth formers suggested helping Dreams Come True. They said that Christmas was all about wishes and they got their presents under the Christmas tree. They wanted to make other children's wishes come true as well.'

They selected Dreams Come True because of the Observer's backing of the charity.

Assemblies took place for the various year groups during the fancy dress day to explain the work of Dreams Come True.

Dreams Come True n page 5