MIDHURST Rother College once again supported the BBC Children Need appeal by inviting students and staff to dress as their childhood hero, and to take part in a cake sale and Children in Need quiz.

There were reincarnations of Doctor Who and patron saint of England – St George – plus characters from children’s literature incluidng Pippi Longstocking, Harry Potter and one member of the Famous Five, complete with the obligatory bottle of ginger beer.

There was also a smattering of film and comic book characters such as Captain Jack Sparrow, from Pirates of the Caribbean, Spiderman and Woody from Toy Story.

One student, Jonty Kennedy, came dressed as college principal Dr Vitagliano – who had the pleasant surprise of coming face-to-face with his double as he welcomed students for the day.

The college raised more than £1,300 from the collections, with more donations still to be counted.

A school spokesman said: “The college’s participation in the event continues to reflect their commitment to supporting charities.”

Students and staff raised more than £6,000 for a wide range of international and local charities, last year. This year’s nominated good causes include Chestnut Tree House, Midhurst Food Bank, MS Society and Sport Relief.