Audiences watching Mother Goose at the Churchill Theatre got a shock when officers from Bromley police station cuffed Jeff Hordley (Cain Dingle from Emmerdale), who plays the pantomime baddie.

Jeff was arrested on stage in front of a live audience as part of a special fundraising initiative called Jail n' Bail to raise money for Orpington-based palliative care providers Harris HospisCare.

"Throughout the day, a number of important Bromley-based business people were 'arrested'," explained Malcolm Dent, head of corporate and community fundraising at the charity.

"As part of their fundraising efforts, each of our 'felons' had to obtain a minimum bail amount of £1,000 to secure their release or spend the morning languishing in jail!"

Police officers arrived at their place of work and arrested the 'felons' between the hours of 9am and 12noon. They were charged and transported to Bromley police station in a police van.

Once at the police station, they were held in a room with only a mobile phone for company.

"Fortunately for them, they all made bail and, as a reward, a special buffet lunch was served," said Malcolm.

"The day was a big success and a great deal of fun," added press officer Carol Walters, who accompanied the police officers in the morning as they carried out the arrests.

Approximately £10,000 was raised from the day and all money raised will go towards helping Harris HospisCare to fund its services for patients, their families and carers.