EXCITED youngsters couldn’t wait to get to school to “sea” SpongeBob SquarePants.

The much-loved cartoon character soaked up the fun atmosphere at Lever Edge Primary School as he thanked children for designing him a new pair of jeans to wear.

The Nickelodean cartoon character was the guest of honour at the school after children won a national competition as part of Jeans for Genes Day. They were asked to come up with ideas for his new pair of denim trousers.

Hundreds of schools took part in the competition, with Lever Edge in Great Lever selected as the winners.

Deputy headteacher Melanie Tipping said: “The children knew about the visit and were so excited to meet him.

“They found out after Christmas they had won so it has been a long wait and couldn’t wait to meet him.

She added: “I think the teachers were just as excited as the pupils — a few had their photograph taken with him.”

SpongeBob SquarePants was introduced to everyone in assembly where he handed out prizes including scooters, guitars, ukuleles, footballs and rugby balls, before he went on a walk around the school to meet his adoring fans.

Mrs Tipping said: “Our children love entering competition and I’m sure SpongeBob SquarePants will like the design of his new jeans!”

As well as having fun meeting the famous character, children also realised the importance of the money they raised by wearing jeans on Jeans for Genes Day.

They raised more than £2,000 for Genetic Disorders UK, the charity which organises the fundraiser. The charity raises money to help transform the lives of half- a-million children in the UK who are affected by a life-altering genetic disorder. Mrs Tipping said: “The Year Six children gave a whole school assembly about what the children raised money for.”

SpongeBob SquarePants waved goodbye to the children before joining his friends under the sea no doubt sharing his adventures with Patrick Star and Squidward Tentacles.