A VOLUNTEER group who have been dressing as children’s favourite animated characters for the past five years were ejected from the Brunel Shopping Centre.

Decked out in costumes including Mickey Mouse, Peppa Pig and Woody from Toy Story, the day started well for the group. They visited the children’s ward at the Great Western Hospital, where they gave out presents.

They then walked around the town centre and through the Brunel centre.

But security asked the group to leave because they had not called ahead to arrange plans.

Here’s what you said on Facebook...

Scott King: “They are right to turn them away. When asking for permission you would also be asked to provide DBS or CRB checks for the people in the suits.

“The shopping centre would be directly responsible if anything would happen to the children.”

Steph Owen: “To be fair if they didn’t call ahead, they could have been anyone.

“Costumes like that completely cover the face so it’s not surprising they were asked to leave.

“Next time call ahead – like you’ve done the past four years.”

Tanya Legg: “If they had to get permission last year then they knew they needed it again this year, can’t just expect to have it.

“Yeah it was good to see kids loving the characters, but it should have been done the right way.”

Paul Raven: “Bit of a mishap, should have known better really, from previously doing it.

“Saw them being escorted, it wasn’t in a horrible manner from what I saw and they went peacefully.

“End of the day, safeguarding, health and safety and all the rest really does need to come into account.

“Don’t follow the rules, expect this to happen.”

Kay Horsley: “To be fair, in this day and age the shopping centre did the right thing.

“If anything happened they would be held responsible. Better to be safe than sorry, plus last year they had to get permission so surely they knew they would have to this year?

“Nice thing to do, don’t get me wrong.”

Jennifer Armstrong: “They absolutely did the right thing.

“You can’t be too careful in this day and age. They knew they needed permission so why just turn up?

“If you are working with children then various checks need to be made otherwise anyone could be put in a costume and wander around.”

Chris Brooks: “Fair enough really, clearly didn’t plan it very well.

“Right intentions, poorly managed. Lesson learned for next time.”

Allan Bott: “Call ahead next time.”

Yvonne Green: “Pathetic, what harm were they doing?”

Jason Daffern: “That’s rather funny, I don’t know of a single person who rings ahead that they are coming to the Brunel.

“If those are your rules then every single person that walks through the doors are unannounced and should all be asked to leave.”

Jennie Dinning: “Rules are rules I suppose, but what a shame.

“How much pleasure did these characters give to children, for those in hospital and around the town.

“But this is a sad world if these rules can’t be broken in favour of giving fun and pleasure.

“So shame on the Brunel centre for not turning a blind eye.”

Susan Crinson: “A bit sad to hear, this is only fun. But I do see the safety aspect.”

Charlie Childs: “The Brunel centre didn’t know who was in the suits. If anything happened I’m sure they’d be the first to get the blame for allowing the characters in. If they’d called ahead they could have been verified.”