Schoolchildren created a superhero who could defeat loan sharks as part of a community campaign.

Housing association Affinity Sutton, in partnership with Hertsmere Borough Council and the England Illegal Money Lending Team, held a family fun day as part of its work to highlight the dangers of borrowing money from loan sharks.

Pupils from three primary schools - Summerswood, Monksmead and Saffron Green - were also challenged to design a superhero to defeat “nasty criminal” Sid the Shark, and the winning design was Shark Girl Stephanie, who has the ability to give good advice, such as joining a credit union, and the ability to blow sharks away.

The winning outfit was then created by a costume designer.

During the campaign, Trading Standards volunteers put up around 75 Stop Loan Sharks posters in shops, the library and community centres around town, while themed wordsearches were also left in cafes and waiting rooms.

An information bus was also parked in the Boulevard shopping centre to offer advice to passing shoppers.