Businessmen ‘arrested’ at Holt and Bodham for Norfolk Hospice charity
Holt businessman Michael Baker who was "arrested" for the Norfolk Hospice charity - Credit: Archant
Two well-known north Norfolk businessmen have been 'arrested' for 'crimes' which have certainly paid for a hospice charity.
Kevin Abbs in disguise during his "arrest" for the Norfolk Hospice - Credit: Archant
Department store, supermarket and builders merchants boss Michael Baker was charged with crimes against fashion - and was caught red handed, sporting a clashing combination of tartan trousers with union flag bow tie and trainers.
Kevin Abbs and Michael Baker after their "arrest" for the Norfolk Hospice, with hospice chief Richard Shaw, police and Cromer town crier Jason Bell. - Credit: Archant
And despite his flying helmet and goggles disguise Kevin Abbs who runs Crayford and Abbs car sales was collared on a count of selling quality motors.
They were among a 19-strong gang of 'suspects' rounded up by police in a swoop in aid of the Norfolk Hospice Tapping House, which is marking its 30th anniversary and preparing for the opening of its new facility at Hillington in west Norfolk.
Mr Baker was marched through the Holt store by the officers doing the rounds - to the amazement and amusement of staff and shoppers.
Mr Abbs was grabbed in the office of his Nissan dealership at Bodham.
All of them were bundled into police vans and taken to the Masonic Lodge in Norwich to complete their 'sentence' which involved a lunch to celebrate their raising a total of £10,300.
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Others included ex-Norwich City footballer Daryl Sutch and Chris Bell, weather reporter for the BBC, along with Peter Whear from Taverham High School and Gayle Morris from Tesco in Drayton.
The 'offenders' were only free to be released after raising more than £500 in bail.
CT Baker managing director Mr Baker said Bakers and Larners had made the hospice its charity for the year. He raised £1,000
Mr Abbs, who raised £1,150, said: 'I was approached to support the Norfolk Hospice and felt it a worthy and local cause which can touch every families life at some point.
'We had some fun, raised some much needed additional funds.'
Cromer town crier Jason Bell was also among those taking part in the proceedings, which also featured the Sheriff of Norwich Graham Creelman and Lord Mayor of Norwich Keith Driver, who cut the Hospice anniversary cake.
Richard Shaw, chief executive of the Norfolk Hospice, said: 'We owe a big thank you to everyone involved in this event. We couldn't have done it without the support of a huge number of people.
The hospice's new facility at Hillington will be complete by the end of March 2014, augmenting services provided for people in North West Norfolk who are suffering from a range of life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, together with their families and carers.
'The money we raise from this and other fundraising events will contribute greatly towards continuing patient care.'
Have you got a charity story? Email the News team at nnn.news@archant.co.uk or call the newsline on 01263 512732.
