A SCHOOLGIRL from South Ockendon surprised her classmates by bringing SpongeBob SquarePants to school to help raise money for a children’s charity.

Deborah Awe, eight, wanted to raise funds for the Dream Factory charity, which help to make the wishes come true of seriously ill children, after she met a new friend with an incurable condition.

She’s set herself a target of £2,000 and wanted the help of her friends at Brentwood Preparatory School.

Deborah has so far raised funds online and plans collections at Lakeside and a raffle.

She said: “The day went really well. We had lots of fun and raised lots of money to help other children. I am happy the day was a success.”