SHOPPERS in York witnessed an "arresting" sight when a series of apparently respectable citizens were taken into custody and marched off to jail.

But the group of 16, nicked by a posse of lawmen led by York's Town Crier John Redpath, were all having their collars felt in the name of charity.

The "criminals", including singer Kid Creole who is currently appearing in York, surgeons and bankers, were arrested, cautioned and handcuffed by off-duty police officers.

They were taken to York Dungeon, charged, fingerprinted and fed at the Grand Opera House, before being released for a minimum bail of £500.

Paula Guanaria, spokeswoman from the Royal National Institute of the Blind, said she believed the event had raised £8,000 for the charity.

She said: "We had a mock trial at the Grand Opera House, where one of the actors from York Dungeon played the role of the judge. "Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun."

Updated: 10:42 Wednesday, February 11, 2004