Politicians were put behind bars to raise money for a hospice charity.

The 11 volunteers were locked up at Pinner Police Station, in Waxwell Road, as part of St Luke’s Hospice's 'jail and bail' event.

All those taking part had to raise £1,000 each in ‘bail’ money before they could be released.

Before being put in a cell each person was put through a mock police custody scenario in which they were searched, had a DNA sample taken, were questioned and had their fingerprints taken.

One of those locked up was London Assembly Member for Harrow Navin Shah.

He said: “The whole process is quite terrifying really and makes you think about the work the police do.

“I have taken part in this event because the work St Luke’s does for the local community in Harrow is invaluable and they are unique to the area.

“About three quarters of their income comes from fundraising and it is important they are supported.”

Kathleen O’Connor, 66, who was also locked up said: “I have supported a lot of national charities but now I really focus on helping St Luke’s.

“They are local to me and they work they do is fantastic.”

The event is expected to raise more than £17,000 for the charity, based in Kenton Grange, which is enough to provide three months of medicine at the hospice.

Others put in the slammer for St Luke’s included Trustee of Harrow Central Mosque Mohammed Rahman, Reverend James Mercer of All Saints Church, Harrow Weald, and business owner Sherry Sendenayake.

All those who took part in the fundraising were presented with certificates and lunch at West House, in Pinner Memorial Park.

The hospice cares for people with cancer and other serious progressive terminal illnesses.

In order to keep running and providing services to the people of Harrow and Brent St Luke’s needs to raise £3 million each year.