AN event which saw the city centre flooded with superheroes, conniving villains and just about everything in between has raised a whopping sum for charity.

Invasion Colchester created a massive buzz around the city centre as pop culture icons walked the streets raising £14,524.60 in total.

This year, the money will be shared between St Helena Hospice, Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity and Mind (Mid and North East Essex).

On the day, £9,797.85 was raised through street collection, with a further £1,935.71 raised through film, TV and music quiz nights and £301 raised through a sponsored dress-up.

A further £500 was raised via international donation, with £1,990 raised from Ace Comics’ Galactic Grotto and other fundraising.

A spokesperson for Invasion Colchester said: “Extra big thanks to every volunteer and costumer who gave up their time for the day to hang out with us.

“You spread some joy and helped us collect the all-important donations - you know who you are, and you know we love you.

“Lastly, thank you to all of you who came along to enjoy Invasion Colchester, got dressed up, and dropped some coins or notes into our buckets.

"You will all have helped someone when they needed it.”