It was a hit to the face for North Walsham town mayor Richard Sims who invited passers-by to throw soggy sponges at him in the name of charity.

Eastern Daily Press: North Walsham Mayor Richard Sims in the stocks to raise money for Norfolk First Responders by getting pelted with wet sponges, pictured is Sarah Thompson of Norfolk First Responders and Nick Clancy Town Clerk.Picture: MARK BULLIMORENorth Walsham Mayor Richard Sims in the stocks to raise money for Norfolk First Responders by getting pelted with wet sponges, pictured is Sarah Thompson of Norfolk First Responders and Nick Clancy Town Clerk.Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

Joined by friends and colleagues, Mr Sims locked himself in stocks while visitors to the town's farmers' market paid £1 for three throws.

The day raised more than £100 for North Walsham Community First Responders, his chosen mayor's charity for the year.

'We had a great day and it was really fun,' he said about the Sunday event. 'But I started to get cold and the sponges started to hurt after a while.'

Also in the stocks were council clerk Nick Clancy, Paul Oakes and Robert Scammell, who owns Cafe Kitale in the town.

Mr Sims added: 'People said it was a lovely idea. There are some nice people in North Walsham who supported us.'

Mr Sims has been saving his council expenses for the charity. Other events have included fundraising at the town's Christmas market and a civic dinner last week which raised a further £450.