Tied up, gagged and struggling for freedom, Cllr Michael Woolley was carrying out one of his engagements to help raise money for a group of youngsters.

The kidnapping was organised by members of the Cellar Club, a youth group who meet at the Fernleigh Centre in Chichester.

They staged the mayor's hostage to raise funds for their final Duke of Edinburgh expedition.

"It's such an original idea we hope the people of Chichester will support us and donate some money to make the expedition possible," said youth worker Claire Mattison.

The group of girls aged between 14 and 16 came up with the idea of kidnapping the mayor.

Samantha Robinson, 15, said: "We thought of a few ideas and then holding the mayor hostage came up.

"We all thought how good it could be and that it would get people talking and hopefully encourage them to support us by donating some money."

They need to raise £350 to pay for an experienced leader, who can guide them on the expedition and for minibus hire and campsite fees.

Katie Hudson, 14, said the Cellar Club is an opportunity for people of the same age to get together knowing there is support and advice available.

"We all want to get our bronze D of E award and doing it together spurs us on," she said.

Youth worker Claire added: "The youth service only gets so much funding and the rest we have to find ourselves.

"I'm really proud of the young people for coming up with the idea and approaching the mayor. They are showing that young people can be proactive and can get things done.

"The D of E award is not easy. They will be walking for six hours a day in the countryside, then will have to put up a tent and be completely self sufficient.

"It is a real test and a personal challenge but it will help them make their own decisions as well as work as part of a team."

Cllr Woolley said he hoped the 'uniqueness' of the kidnap would encourage people to support the youth group.

In two weeks' time, if enough money has been raised, the youth group will stage the mayor's release.

To make a donation send a cheque payable to the Fernleigh Youth Centre, or donate in person to the centre at 40 North Street, Chichester.

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