SHOPPERS in Chineham had a bit of a surprise when they went looking for clothes on Saturday.

Members of the Basingstoke Cosplay Collective were invited by Matalan, in Chineham Shopping Centre, to be at the store front the day, delighting young visitors and raising money for the south central branch of Make-a-Wish UK.

The seven Disney princesses present, Belle, Snow White, Elsa, Anna, Merida, Tinkerbell and Alice in Wonderland, managed to raise a grand total of £165.33 for the charity which helps arrange experiences for seriously-ill children and their families.

Leanna Bruce, from the cosplay group, said: "We had a fantastic day fundraising for Make-a-Wish. We are delighted to have raised so much, especially with the rain and cold weather.

"The children's reactions were truly wonderful. They loved meeting the princesses. One little boy even gave valentine's roses to the princesses he met. There was a lot of excitement all round. There were so many polite, charming children and we thoroughly enjoyed bringing smiles to their faces all for a great cause.

"A huge thank you to Matalan for letting us be there."