Batman and Robin left the perils of Gotham City to tackle a more pressing matter in Brighton - parting Christmas shoppers from their cash.

The superheroes were joined by a dazzling array of stars to help boost the coffers of The Argus Appeal.

Among the line-up was Spiderman, Dorothy and her pals from The Wizard of Oz, Snow White and Jim Carey's character from The Mask. Even Harry Potter took time out from wizard training to help.

City centre crowds were left bemused and amused as they were greeted to the surreal sight yesterday morning.

Once again, it was the shoppers themselves who proved to be the real heroes by generously digging into their pockets to help their community.

The array of collectors were staff from The Argus who hit the streets armed with buckets as part of their annual sponsored fancy dress walk in aid of the appeal.

Once their efforts in the rain were over, the serious business of counting the swag began in earnest and is still taking place.

Features supervisor Katie Edmonds, alias Snow White, said: "We appealed to people's good nature to do something positive for their community and once again the response was fantastic.

"Being asked to give money by Batman and Robin and the like must have been bizarre but once the shock wore off they were eager to help.

"Money is always tight at this time of year but people were still very generous and The Argus Appeal will be able to help even more local people because of them.

"All of us had a great time, despite the weather, and everyone made a real effort with the costumes, some of which were home-made. There will be a prize for the best and worst ones."

The appeal has been raising money for the needy in Sussex for 45 years. Last year, more than £90,000 was collected.

This year, it has made 100 donations to a variety of good causes and 1,200 hampers and food parcels have been given to the elderly and families on low incomes.

The Argus meets all the administrative costs so every penny goes directly to charity.

Appeal coordinator Elsa Gillio said: "I want to say a big thank you to everyone who donated money to the appeal. Once again people have shown their generosity.

"It is very important every penny raised in our community stays in our community. All costs, from paper and pencils to administration, are covered by The Argus."

For the past two years, the colourful Gingerbread House, next to Donatello's restaurant in The Lanes, Brighton, has been one of the appeal's most successful fund-raisers.

Hundreds of excited children and adults flock daily to meet Santa and contribute much-needed money.