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Editor puts himself behind bars in charity stunt

A weekly editor allowed himself to be “banged up” in a makeshift prison in a stunt which raised more than £6,500 for charity.

Welwyn and Hatfield Times editor Terry Mitchinson went to jail to raise money for Welwyn Garden City-based Isabel Hospice, of which he is a long-time patron.

The news chief was one of eight ‘reprobates’ asked to raise cash to secure their release.

Said Terry:  “I was a little disappointed with my so-called friends, business contacts and colleagues, as most people offered more money to keep me in jail rather than wanting me out.

Terry pictured in the makeshift jail with his fellow inmates

Added Terry: “On a serious note, I didn’t know being banged up in jail could be so much fun and could do so much good.

“All the inmates entered into the spirit of things and raised as much as they could, while passers-by found the whole thing hugely entertaining. So it raised both the charity’s profile and also much-needed funds.”

Emma Lippiatt, corporate relationship manager at the hospice, which needs more than £2m in fundraising each year, said: “All the prisoners were really good sports and we are so grateful to them for their time.

You can still donate to Terry’s efforts at: http://www.justgiving.com/Terry-Mitchinson