A team of "convicts" escaped to Turkey to raise funds for the Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland.

Teams taking part in The Great Escape for Butterwick left from HM Prison, Holme House, Stockton, at 5pm on Friday, June 18, and had 24 hours to see how far they could travel without paying for their transport.

Taking only £5 with them, John Bowman and Diane Wilson, who both work for the Asda store in Bishop Auckland, persuaded Cleveland Police to escort them to the company's Stockton store, where they held a collection.

A taxi then took them to Newcastle Airport, where they flew to Marmaris, in Turkey, having been given flights by Excell.

Thomas Cook then provided the team with accommodation until their return flight on the following Monday.

John and Diane even managed to obtain a boat trip around the islands, increasing their sponsorship en-route from tourists. A collection in the departure lounge took their fundraising efforts to £700.

Mr Bowman said: "It was great fun. Planning our escape and contacting everyone who helped was as much a part of the challenge as the escape itself."

Another team, consisting of Gemma Snowball and Angie McCormick, stylists at the Elite beauty salon, in Bishop Auckland, escaped to Bournemouth.

Ms McCormick said: "We just left our escape to fate and didn't plan an escape route, but we did reach our target of £1,000 and had a great time.

"We are going to plan ahead next time, and see if we can get further."

The Asda team won the prize for travelling the greatest distance, and the hair stylists won the prize for the most money raised.

Organisers are hoping to stage another escape in September. To take part, contact Sylvia Stoneham on (01388) 603003.