CHILDREN found an ingenious way to raise money for nursery equipment - "kidnapping" their beat bobby and holding him to ransom.

PC Kevin Woodcock got more than he bargained for when he promised to visit a sponsored sing-song at Evenwood Primary School, in County Durham. No sooner had he got through the doors to the school's nursery than the children had slapped a pair of handcuffs on him.

The 33-year-old was held for more than two hours until the group of more than 20 children agreed to let him go. PC Woodcock took it all in his stride.

He said: "I'd agreed to go along and help with their fundraising event and join in with the sing-song when I was set upon.

"They pinched my jumper and even tried on my helmet, but I was treated very well by my young captors.

"At the end of the day, it's for a brilliant cause and I just want to help in any way I can."

The school hopes to raise £10,000 to provide the nursery with new play equipment.