Generous shoppers have helped give a magical Christmas to sick children by taking part in a department store’s fundraising party.

The event at Elys department store in Wimbledon last Wednesday raised vital cash for Guildford’s Chase Children’s Hospice, which supports youngsters in Surrey and south-west London.

It included a children’s tea party in the store’s cafe, with magic, balloon-modelling and special guest Peppa Pig. And adults enjoyed a fashion show, live jazz and special cocktails - as well as special offers and cut-price sales.

Chase fundraising manager Anna Roche said: “We were really grateful to Elys for supporting us with this fantastic fundraising day and the store will continue to have our collecting boxes on all the tills until Christmas which is brilliant.”