IT was not a bad effort for an hour's work.

Oxford's Children's Hospital has picked up another £4,600 in toys and money from pop star Jason Donovan, when he officially opened a toy shop.

The 38-year-old Australian soap and reality television star, who lives near Wantage, was the special guest at a fun day at Bicester Toys and Nursery, in Sheep Street on Saturday.

Mr Donovan was asked to open the store by his friend, shop owner Jason Messenger, but only agreed on the proviso it would benefit the children's hospital, which the pop star has backed to the tune of thousands over the past 18 months.

Mr Messenger raised about £600 for the hospital by donating a percentage of the day's takings to the cause, and also collected toys worth about £4,000.

The toys were given by the shop's suppliers and included contributions from toy manufacturers Brio, Gult, Jellyvat and RC2.

Speaking amid the queues of fans, Mr Donovan said: "I said there should be a contribution to charity and the only worthwhile way would be to get some percentage of the sales for the children's hospital and if Jason could also lobby some of the toy companies I think we can have a deal.

"I'm more impressed with what we have raised than I thought I would be.

"Jason runs quite a well organised operation and it's a far more formidable contribution than I hoped."

Mr Messenger said: "The people of Bicester were extremely supportive and generous.

"In addition to the £600, customers donated by putting money into collections tins, and this has not yet been counted."

He added: "Jason stayed for about an hour during which he signed autographs and shook a few collecting boxes."

The fun day was the latest fundraising event to be supported by Mr Donovan, a keen ambassador for the £30m hospital.

Earlier this year, he presented the hospital with more than £36,000 raised by viewers voting in last year's I'm A Celebrity . . Get Me Out of Here, in which Mr Donovan came third.

Every time viewers texted or phoned in a vote for the star, 10p went to the hospital.

In March, Mr Donovan was official starter of the charity OX5 Run, organised by Newsquest Oxfordshire, at Blenheim Palace - which also raised money for the hospital.

Mr Donovan said he remained committed to the children's hospital.

He said: "I live in the county and I have connections here.

"Sometimes the bigger charities like Oxfam and Red Cross get the main focus but I will do what I can to bring attention to the hospital.

"I think it is an extremely worthwhile project.

"You can use your celebrity status for yourself, or for something worthwhile and the hospital is the perfect place for me.

"I will always do what I can to bring attention and focus to the hospital."

At the fun day, children took part in a range of activities including face painting and colouring competitions.