FANCY dress characters from Suffolk College got into the spirit of things in aid of three local charities.It was all part of Suffolk College Student Union's RAG week, which ended with a collection from generous shoppers in ASDA's Goddard Road superstore in Ipswich.

FANCY dress characters from Suffolk College got into the spirit of things in aid of three local charities.

It was all part of Suffolk College Student Union's RAG week, which ended with a collection from generous shoppers in ASDA's Goddard Road superstore in Ipswich.

RAG week, which stands for raising and giving, is now in its 11th year. It sees students from colleges and universities across the country holding a series of fundraising events for their chosen charities.

Students' Union president, Emmi-Dawn Farley, explained: "RAG week is when the students get together to raise money for three local charities. It's all about having fun, dressing up and making a fool of yourself while raising money for a good cause."

The charities benefiting from the fun-packed week were Out and About, Scope Bike Ability and East Anglia's Children's Hospices.

n A RAG Week bed push in Ipswich raised £139.02 and on March 16, the Felixstowe collection raised £222.33. The collection in Asda raised £141.44 and the store itself will add to that figure from its own sponsorship of the event.