A PASSION for drawing, a penchant for the films of Jacques Cousteau and a career as a marine biologist were Spongebob Squarepants creator Stephen Hillenburg's inspiration for bringing the fun character to life.

'The Spongebob Squarepants Movie' sees the oceanic cast of animated oddballs brought to the big screen, to soak up an enthusiastic crowd of children and adults.

The bubbly inhabitants of Bikini Bottom are in more trouble than a sinking ship at the start of the film. The evil Plankton has hatched a plan to send the Krusty Krab burger chain out of business. He steals the secret formula for the delicious Krabby Patty and then frames Mr Krabs for the theft of King Neptune's crown.

With all eyes on Mr Krabs, Plankton starts selling Krabby Patties at his own Chum Bucket Restaurant. Just then, Spongebob (Tom Kenny) steps in and with his starfish pal Patrick sets out to find the crown and get Mr Krabs out of hot water...

What follows is an epic adventure in which the pair encounter some slippery villains and a hero in the form of special guest star David Hasselhoff- who appears as himself in a bizarre fusion of animation and live action.

Spongebob and Patrick frantically race back to Bikini Bottom to stop megalomaniac Plankton from taking over the world. All of this is played out before an eclectic soundtrack, including the Flaming Lips, Wilco and Avril Lavigne.

We have teamed up with Cineworld St Helens to give away three pairs of free tickets to see 'The Spongebob Squarepants Movie'.

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the question below and send your entries with your name, address and telephone number to Spongebob competition (Cineworld), St Helens Star, YMCA Buildings, Duke Street, St Helens, WA10 2HZ.

Closing date is Wednesday 16 February 2005.

Q: What is the name of Spongebob's starfish pal?