A wet and miserable day was brightened up by a host of colourful characters taking part in a fancy dress parade to raise money for charity.

Superman, Harry Potter, Bill and Ben and a walking Christmas tree were among costumes worn by Argus staff as they collected cash for The Argus Appeal.

The annual fancy dress walk, now in its 19th year, was a huge hit with shoppers in Brighton and Hove, who were only too happy to add to the appeal's coffers.

More than two dozen members of staff took part and each was sponsored by a local company to dress up for the occasion.

They were chauffeured from Argus House, Hollingbury, in a bus donated by Brighton and Hove Bus And Coach Company, before hitting the streets all afternoon.

The high spirits and enthusiasm from shoppers and Argus staff was not dampened by the terrible weather and organisers are hoping to have raised more money than ever before.

Appeal fund-raising co-ordinator Elsa Gillio said: "We have been out in the rain, snow and blustery gales and had a great time.

"The Argus team fully supports the appeal and will continue to do so no matter the weather.

"We normally raise a four-figure sum and it is very busy out there with lots of shoppers so hopefully the Brighton and Hove community will be just as generous as it has been in previous years."

The appeal has been supporting local good causes for 47 years and has helped old and young people by handing out Christmas food hampers, supermarket vouchers and giving community groups and charities minibuses and vans.

The walk is one of the highlights of the fund-raising year, especially for Argus staff.

Ms Gillio said: "Taking part is compulsory but I'm sure everyone would dress up just as enthusiastically even if it wasn't.

"All the staff really look forward to the opportunity to dress up, have fun and raise lots of money for charity at the same time."

Every year the appeal, which has been running for 47 years, runs a Christmas grotto in Brighton Place, Brighton, next to Donatello restaurant.

This year it has an under the sea theme and all money raised will go to the Pink Dolphin Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign.

Donations can be made at any office of The Argus or sent to Elsa Gillio, The Argus Appeal Coordinator, Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton BN1 8AR.