EIGHT community leaders were thrown behind bars this morning in a bid to raise money for charity.

The group of councillors, business owners, and charity workers were arrested by Wealdstone Police and put into the cells at the station in High Road.

They were not allowed out until they raised £1,000 bail money, which is will be donated to St Luke's Hospice.

St Luke’s cares for people with cancer and other serious progressive illnesses, such as motor neurone disease and heart, lung and kidney failure.

London Assembly member, Navin Shah, Harrow East MP, Bob Blackman, and leader of Harrow Council, Councillor Bill Stephenson, were among those who put themselves forward for the challenge.

They were joined by businessman Ketan Mandalia, head chef at St Luke’s, Dave Chapman, president of Kingsbury and Kenton rotary club, Kali Chakraborty, headteacher of Marlborough Primary School, Chris McDermott, and hair salon manager and Kenton ward councillor, Councillor Ajay Maru.

Cllr Stephenson said: It’s been a terrible experience this morning and one that I do not want to relive in the future.

“There is a high bail to get me out for £1000 and I am relying on people to give generously.

“I’m missing the community and it’s all for a very good cause.”

Mr Mandalia, director of Blue Ginger and Blue Zenzer restaurants, said: “We’re allowed our phones but there is no reception in the cells.

“How are we meant to get donations? I want to thank all the people who are or have given however and this morning's experience is worth it to get the donations together.”

Mr Chapman added: “We’ve been arrested exactly as anyone would do under these circumstances. We were brought in, handcuffed, questioned and thrown into the cell. I want to thank all the people who helped towards raising my £1000.

“It’s a great cause and will help us get out of here.”

Mr Shah said: “I want to thank the people who gave towards this cause including many women’s groups who have been extremely generous.

“To give service towards helping the terminally ill is what it’s all about. We are all happy to be here to help.”

To pledge your sponsorship visit www.justgiving.com/jailandbail2011.