THIS sorry-looking lot were on the receiving end of some rough justice when they got locked up for charity.

The group of managers and executives were "arrested" by Military Police from the RAF, and put under lock and key for the Royal National Institute for the Blind, with "ransom cash" being paid to the charity for their freedom.

The stunt was set up by the institute's fundraising team, which is aiming to whip up as much cash as possible to help adults and children with serious sight problems in York and North Yorkshire.

Area fundraising manager Rachel Salt said: "With 14 people to arrest, it would seem that there has been a crime wave rampaging through York - but all in a good cause, of course." Those who were nabbed included staff from many local businesses, as well as a teacher, and York Minster's head verger, Alex Carberry.

Playing their part in the great "jail and bail" event were The York Dungeon, which provided them with a cell in the company of the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin, and the city's Grand Opera House, which laid on a meal for the detainees after their ordeal.

Dungeon operations manager Julia Griffith said: "We were very pleased to help out with this. It was great fun for everyone involved, and generated a lot of interest in the cause."

Amanda White, branch manager of Adecco Recruitment, in York, said: "It was great fun, and really well organised.

"I was arrested in the branch by these RAF military policemen, while outside, the Town Crier was shouting out that I was a 'stalker of clients and candidates'.

"We then got shipped to the Dungeon in a minibus, picking up a few more people on the way.

"To get the bail, I had to ring round clients and friends and ask them to help me out. I'd do it all again, given the chance."

Amanda said she wanted to thank everyone who helped "rescue" her from the dungeon.

You can make a donation to the RNIB on 01904 793579.

Updated: 14:44 Thursday, January 31, 2002