Staff at Plaistow underground station will be ditching their uniforms and donning fancy dress costumes this Thursday.

They will be shaking their buckets to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support at an event which will involve a visit from Mr Blobby and Barney the Dinosaur.

Plaistow station supervisor, Ricky Gregory, 44, is planning to donate his salary for the day while other members of staff will be giving up their time to come in early and assist with the fundraising.

Last year Ricky raised £600 for Macmillan by wearing fancy dress and donating his salary and hopes this year will be just as successful.

He said: “We like to put a smile on faces. We’ve had many close to us that have died of cancer and Macmillan offered a lot of support. It’s our way of saying thanks and encouraging them to keep up the excellent work they provide.”

The event will take place from 7am – 2pm on Thursday 20 February, light refreshments will be provided.