POLICE raided a number of Royston businesses and arrested a number of prominent business people on Friday. There is, however, no need for concern. The town is not becoming a hot bed for corrupt tycoons and dodgy dealing – this was all in the name of chari

POLICE raided a number of Royston businesses and arrested a number of prominent business people on Friday.

There is, however, no need for concern. The town is not becoming a hot bed for corrupt tycoons and dodgy dealing - this was all in the name of charity.

The Jail and Bail event was organised by the Anthony Nolan Trust Charity area appeals manager Christine Brown, to help raise money and awareness for the charity.

It was the first of its kind in Royston.

Christine said: "The day went really well and we have raised more than £8,500, which is far more than we had expected. Everyone got into the role of the criminal and they all looked fantastic in their costumes.

"The police were also fantastic and went through all their normal procedures, they really helped make the day."

The willing "criminals" were arrested by uniformed off-duty police, handcuffed and walked to an awaiting police vehicle. They were then driven to the police station where fingerprints were taken, valuables seized and charge sheets issued.

It wasn't all bad, however. They were all supplied refreshments and a lunch from Pizza Palazzo in the High Street.

The idea of the event was for those arrested to raise their own bail money through a series of pledges and donations that would be given to the charity.

- The criminals were Alan Barlow of ABA Consultants, Caroline Hyde of Archant, Cath Boughton of The Listing, Charlie Thompson of Q103, Christine Murphy of Barclays Bank, David Gowan of The Stationary Cupboard, Keith Gordon of Keith Gordon the Jeweller, Lisa Lynch of Age Concern, and Naomi Mitchell of Coffee Corner.

- For more information on the Anthony Nolan Trust call Christine Brown on 01763 247054 or e-mail Christine.brown@anthonynolan.org.uk