Bundled from the building in handcuffs and carted off by police, Mark Oaten's ignominious arrest startled passers-by...

But the raid on the Southgate Street Lib-Dem office was all part of a Macmillan Cancer Relief fund-raising stunt. The Winchester MP was read his rights by PC Jeff Bird and PC Rob Dimond, from Winchester's North Walls police station.

"I was arrested in front of staff and some rather concerned constituents," said Mr Oaten on Friday. "One looked only mildly surprised, actually.

"I was a bit worried someone might get the wrong end of the stick. The ride in the police car was one of the oddest experiences I've had since being elected."

The MP was rounded up with several other "shady characters", among them The Westgate School's headteacher, Peter Jenner, who was handcuffed in his office and dragged from the premises.

"The pupils didn't seem too displeased.... Some saw me hauled off in the van and word soon got out," he said.

Meanwhile, Win FM DJ, Pat Sissons, was picked up during his show, his apprehension being broadcast across mid-Hampshire.

RSM Geoff Hammond, of the 17th Port and Maritime Regiment, Marchwood, made up the sorry bunch.

All were guilty of failing to raise enough funds for the charity, which wants to provide five new nurses and one radiographer for the South Hampshire area.

After being released from Hyde Abbey Gate, Winchester, where they were temporarily detained, the prisoners began pestering those around them for cash.

RSM Hammond has collected about £400 from soldiers at the barracks, DJ Pat is receiving donations from Win FM listeners and Mr Jenner was surprised at the support he received. "I've got about £1,000 pledged from staff, parents and governors, so someone must want me to come back."

Mr Oaten produced a get-out-of-jail-free card--a tour round the Houses of Parliament, which will be raffled off at Macmillan's New Year ball in January.

The Macmillan Cancer Relief appeal has £32,000 left to raise from its initial £715,000 target.