Throwing people into the slammer has been a winning move for Bluebell Wood.

We’re on track to raise around £14,000 after our volunteer felons went under lock and key for a day at the Lifewise centre in Hellaby.

The eight ‘inmates’ who had to raise a minimum bail to secure their release were Will Vaulks, Rotherham United player and Bluebell Wood Ambassador; Rob Glegg, Head of Sales at Insight, Sheffield; Richard Burdin from Hoyland, who works for XPO Logistics; Ken Perritt from Chesterfield, who works for XPO Logistics; James Gascoigne, Solicitor at Howells in Rotherham; Frank Christmas from Hoyland and a team leader at Capita, Wath-upon-Dearne, Chris Wilder, Sheffield United Manager and Chris North, Business Relationship Manager for Barclays Bank in Doncaster and Bluebell Wood Ambassador.

Rachel Hodges, Senior Events Fundraiser, Bluebell Wood, said: “The day was amazing from start to finish. Our volunteer inmates arrived at Bluebell Wood to blue flashing lights and sirens, which certainly caused a stir. They enjoyed breakfast with our staff before being handcuffed and taken away. I dressed as a prison officer for the day and made sure our convicts did exactly as they were told, from litter picking and peeling potatoes to cleaning telephone box windows and dashing around local businesses in the pouring rain.

“Everyone dressed up in prison uniform, got into the spirit, and made the day great fun. The staff at the Lifewise centre were amazing, along with the three police officers and two magistrates who certainly kept our convicts on their toes.

“It looks as if we will raise around £14,000 when all donations are in, which is absolutely fantastic. Following this success we’re already planning for the next Jail n’ Bail, which looks like it could be a corker.”