Derby mayor to be locked in 'haunted jail' for charity

Councillor Alan Graves is raising money for charity

The mayor of Derby is being sent to prison - but it is for a good cause.

The city's civic mayor, councillor Alan Graves, will spend time in the 18th Century Derby Gaol - which is now a museum and thought to be one of the country's most haunted places.

He is raising money for two charities - Jericho House and Parental Alienation Awareness.

He said the more money people donated, the "longer I'm prepared to stay locked up".

Located on Friar Gate, the gaol (pronounced jail) housed prisoners in two underground cell blocks between 1756 and 1828.

It is now a museum run by former Most Haunted expert, Richard Felix.

Each year, the mayor chooses a charity or charities to support throughout their 12-month term in office.

The Derby Gaol, which dates back to be 18th Century

Jericho House is a Derby-based residential addiction recovery project, providing support for substance misuse and housing.

Parental Alienation Awareness is an advocacy and signposting service that works with other agencies, charities and professional​s to raise awareness of the effects of parental alienation.

Mr Graves said: "I'm not really looking forward to spending a night in the cells, although I will do it to raise money for two very worthy charities.

"Both Parental Alienation Awareness and Jericho House do brilliant work and it's fantastic that I can also raise awareness of their invaluable contribution to society.

"So whether you're able to sponsor a little or a lot, please consider getting involved. The more you donate, the longer I'm prepared to stay locked up."