MICKEY Mouse, Peppa Pig and Sheriff Woody found themselves escorted out of a town shopping centre by security.

Alan Read, from Park North has taken the children’s favourite cartoon characters out for walks around town for the last five years.

But this time things did not go to plan for his group of volunteers.

The 51-year-old said: “The visit that day started with the children’s ward at the Great Western Hospital. We gave out presents to the children and let them all have their pictures taken. We wanted to give them some cheer for Christmas like I have done for the last five years.

“We then proceeded to the Magic roundabout for a little walk around and then went into town for exactly the same reason. Once we arrived in town, the characters were surrounded by parents and children asking if they could take pictures.

“We walked all around the town with no issues at any time.”

But although the group was given permission last year to walk through the Brunel Centre Alan neglected to call ahead this time.

He said: “I was very surprised when the security came up to me on this day to tell me we all had to leave as we have done nothing different this year to last year.”

Alan added: “ If the Brunel Centre have rules like they told me then surely they should have these rules displayed on boards at all the entrances for people to see and read.”

At the time of the incident, the Brunel was hosting a show featuring Anna and Elsa from Frozen, Santa’s Grotto and Prospect Hospice’s charity gift wrap stall.

Acting centre manager Rob Faulkner said: “We are a privately-owned shopping centre and it is our duty to ensure that shoppers and their children are safeguarded as far as is possible.

“For safety reasons unannounced visitors, who have not sought prior permission to be at the centre, will always be politely asked to leave. This what our security officer did when this unknown group of adults in costume turned up unexpectedly.

“Our staff are used to handling situations like this and always strive to be professional and polite. They have children and families themselves so obviously want to maintain the magic of Christmas for children. But their primary role is to enforce the policies that are in place for the safety and wellbeing of everyone.”

He added: “ The Brunel are very supportive of organised groups and charities and regularly welcome them into the centre.”