A series of escapes from a Suffolk prison prompted a reporter from the Evening Star to don his own convict gear to see how villagers would react to another prisoner in their midst.

Mark Bulstrode (pictured) wanted to draw attention to the problem after 22 convicts walked out of Hollesley Bay open prison during the year.

The residents are used to rubbing shoulders with the prisoners, who are allowed out of the gates, but meeting 4713 Bulstrode - on the run - was a new experience altogether.

He said: "Dragging my ball and chain down Hollesley's main street, my boss thought I'd blend in well with the jailbirds who nip into the village every day.

"As I purchased my copy of The Star, I asked the shopkeeper if she has seen any of my fellow inmates.

"Smiling, she said there hadn't been any in today, although they often make an appearance."

The Ipswich paper, part of the Archant publishing group, has focused on the prison, made famous by Jeffrey Archer's stay there, lifting the lid on the inmates' drinking habits in the village.

Since Mark filed his report, two more prisoners have gone missing.

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