STAFF at the Argus had a splashing time yesterday to raise money for our Sparkle Appeal.

Workers were queueing around the building to get their own back on managers by throwing wet sponges at them to raise money for our appeal.

Argus editor Gerry Keighley was first to face a soaking in the stocks, and was followed by managers from other departments, raising £165.50 in the process.

We launched the Sparkle Appeal last December with an aim to raise £250,000 towards a £6 million children's centre to be built at High Cross, Newport, which would help 1,200 disabled children across Newport, Torfaen and south Monmouthshire.

Gerry Keighley said: "It's a great way to raise cash for the appeal and give the staff the chance to settle any scores with managers!

"The important thing is to raise money that will benefit our disabled children by building this treatment centre for them."

Mr Keighley, a trustee of South Gwent Children's Foundation, added: "I would encourage other business people in the area to do something similar. If they haven't got stocks they could always take custard pies in the face!

"They would help our disabled children, and it would give their staff a laugh at their expense."