IT was a case of on with the show for building society staff left disappointed by the cancellation of a star guest.

Staff at Halifax in The Shires, Trowbridge, raised nearly £100 for the NSPCC on Friday, despite TV personality Howard Brown being forced to pull out of the event through illness.

Children from St John's Primary School and West Ashton Primary School were rewarded for their artistic efforts, after their paintings of the Halifax celebrity were judged in store and put on display. A raffle, which had prizes donated by local businesses, went ahead as planned.

All money raised will go to the NSPCC and Children First.

Karen Arter, from Halifax, said: "The main thrust of the day was the fundraising and we made the most of it. We were expecting to be packed out with Howard coming, but we didn't do too badly. We obviously thank everyone for their support."