Ref. 27809Warminster's town crier Phil Seddon is calling on Wiltshire Times readers to help him escape the long arm of the law.

He will be one of a team of 'criminals' arrested on February 4 to raise funds for the Forever Friends Appeal at Bath's Royal United Hospital.

He and his fellow suspects will then have to rely on supporters to stump up bail money and release them from police custody.

The hospital's Jail and Bail day forms part of a campaign to raise £10m for state-of-the-art equipment for children and cancer, cardiology and critical care patients.

Mr Seddon said: "They want me to be arrested for causing a public nuisance. If they send down two good-looking policewomen I will let them use their handcuffs as well.

"I'd like as many people as possible to help me raise money for this good cause."

The Jail and Bail event is taking place right across the hospital's catchment area, which covers west and north Wiltshire.

In the Warminster area other 'criminals' desperate for bail money will include Wayne Harridge, who runs the Harridges gym and staff from Roman Toyota.

The Wiltshire Times will also be represented on the day by reporter Kate Little.

Mr Seddon's sponsorship forms can be picked up from Warminster Town Council's offices at Dewey House in North Row and selected pubs and shops in the town centre.