SPONGEBOB Squarepants and Hello Kitty paid a visit to Petersfield last week to help staff at Cheltenham and Gloucester raise money for the Save the Children charity.

Save the Children is this year's chosen charity for Lloyds Banking Group, and the High Street-based mortgage provider held a coffee morning and fun day last Friday, raising £84 in the process.

Several town businesses supported the day by providing raffle prizes, while members of staff handed out goodie bags to generous shoppers donating funds.

The dressed-up characters were provided by Children's Parties, whicb also painted children's faces on the day.