A SHOPPING centre manager was behind bars this week - but it was all in a good cause.

David Ward, manager of the Cleveland Centre, Middlesbrough, was locked up in a mock cell while his staff collected £100 to buy his release.

He followed the likes of garrulous Century Radio presenter Paul Gough, and Nick Armstrong, headmaster of Kader School, Middlesbrough, who were also incarcerated.

Football commentators Alistair Brownlee and ex-Boro player, Bernie Slaven had a spell Inside, yesterday.

Business people, supermarket and nightclub workers are also allowing themselves to be "jailed" to help raise funds for the Teesside Hospice, which has daily running costs of £2,500.

Judith Morrison, Mr Ward's secretary, said staff were only getting their own back.

"David is a great charity supporter and he's always getting us involved in events.

"Staff have been known to dress up as Village People in the centre.

"We thought this was a perfect opportunity to get our own back," she said.