CRIES of “let us out” were heard from four prisoners being held in front of the Guildhall in the centre of Worcester as they raised money for a county charity.

The four prisoners were held captive in support of Sight Concern Worcestershire as part of its Jail n Bail event on Tuesday.

The annual fundraiser sees the prisoners raise money for their bail, set at £500 from friends, family and passers-by.

This year saw Mark Richardson, head of the business school at the University of Worcester, Jenni Henderson, owner of Chrysalis Business Support, Stephen Spartley, manager at King’s Head Bar & Grill and Andy Smart, member of advisory board, Business School, University of Worcester, locked up and alongside a street collection they raised more than £2,000.

Keith Hoare, fundraising officer at Sight Concern, said: “The police arrested the prisoners at the end of the high street just outside Nationwide. They were fingerprinted and then we stuck them in the cells.

“When they were arrested people were wondering what it was all about and going up to the police officers and asking them what was going on. A few people followed us down to see the finger printing as well.”

But the event has a serious side as highlighted by Mr Smart. He said: “The event was organised by students from the business school Mike Wright and Dominque O’Brian. We are trying to get the students involved in the community of Worcester. We raise money and it is great for the undergraduates themselves.”

Miss O’Brian added: “It went as well as I thought it would. It has been a good day and great working with Sight Concern.”