THE president of Medway Rotary Club and former Kent Police superintendent David Hatcher is to spend time behind bars in a bid to raise money for charity.

Mr Hatcher, 57, who was area commander at Kent Police in Medway between 1993 and 1995, will spend several hours in the cells at the new Medway police station at Gillingham an effort to raise money for the Wheelchair Foundation (UK).

The charity provides wheelchairs to disabled children and adults across the world. So far the organisation has donated over 500,000 wheelchairs worldwide. For each £50 raised one chair can be provided to a needy disabled person.

Mr Hatcher has so far raised over £2,400 for the charity, and every wheelchair bought will mean another 10 minutes in jail for the police officer on Wednesday, January 17.

He said: "I am delighted with the amount of money so far raised for the charity and I hope that this ‘jailathon’ will gratify the financial supporters who beside Rotarians and police officers, includes pupils at Gads Hill School, Higham, and King’s School Rochester.

"Incarcerating me for a few hours will mean freedom for life for many disabled people whose lives are currently severely restricted. This will also raise awareness of the excellent work carried out by the Wheelchair Foundation."

Ch Insp Des Keers added: "Kent Police in Medway were delighted with the opportunity to support David in his charitable effort and I hope that he manages to raise lots of money for this worthy cause."

To sponsor Mr Hatcher, send a cheque marked Medway Rotary Club ‘Jailathon’ to 1 Hoath Lane, Wigmore, Gillingham, Kent ME8 OSL.