IT was the perfect excuse to get dressed up and shine - and the Sparkle Appeal is set to benefit!

Hundreds of schoolchildren and staff from businesses and other org-anisations paid their one pounds yesterday to celebrate Sparkle Day and support the appeal to raise £6 million to build and equip a centre for south Gwent's disabled children.

The Argus, which is seeking the help of readers to raise £250,000 for the cause, went out and about to mark the event.

Staff from the medical records department at the Royal Gwent Hospital certainly got into the spirit, as our picture shows.

But as Sparkle Day was the brainchild of one of their number - Amanda Hodge - they were always going to sparkle with the best.

"We raised £150 for breast cancer research in September, and then I thought the Sparkle Appeal was a good cause to raise money for too," said Amanda.

"I suggested a 'wear something sparkly to work' day, and the idea just took off.

"It's great that so many people have joined in."

Crindau Primary School in Newport also adopted the Sparkle Appeal and it was awash with glitter and tinsel as they ended the term in shiny style.

The efforts of pupils and staff have so far brought in £190.

Twinkling headdresses, sparkly tiaras and hair, glittering cowboy hats, effervescent dresses and tights were among the costume highlights and head teacher Sarah Davies said she was delighted with the response Some Crindau parents went a step further - pupil Joe Reynolds' mum organised a collection at work, and others also chipped in.

And Sparkle Day fever also overtook staff at the Argus.

Inputter Maisie Owen donned a colourful henna diamante tattoo, in the shape of a Christmas present, while recruitment advertising colleague Eileen Ward wore a shirt she had embroidered with sparkly sequins.