Themed events included an office transformed into an oasis - complete with six-foot oil rig, and a four-legged representative from the local branch of a national charity enjoyed plenty of attention when he visited Amex House in Brighton.

Wilson, a black flat coated retriever, and his owner Rodney Lomas were invited to American Express’s European headquarters to collect a bone-shaped cheque for £1,000 on behalf of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

The money was raised by over 750 employees who on a daily basis look after Amex card members and establishments from across the world. The group took part in a series of World Cup themed fundraising events throughout June.

Teams were given a ‘starter pack’ containing facts about a particular country playing in the World Cup and told to use this information as the basis for their fundraising.

Abi Kolliari, a team leader at the Edward Street offices, said that imaginations had run riot.

"The team supporting Saudi Arabia dressed up in Arabian costumes, transformed their work area into an oasis complete with six-foot oil rig and sumptuous furnishings and sold wonderful Middle Eastern food," she said.

"Our department’s ‘Good Citizenship’ team regularly undertakes fundraising challenges as part of American Express’s commitment to the community. Everyone has a thoroughly good time, it’s great for building team spirit and, best of all, a local charity gets a welcome financial boost - in this case, £1,000 towards training a guide dog."