Very Important Prisoners raise over £6,000 for charity

Anas Sarwar MP was amongst a willing cast of captives held to ransom on Glasgow's Tall Ship by five year-old pirate Kaytie to help raise vital funds to support vulnerable and neglected children.

The group of eight Very Important Prisoners - which also included TV presenter John Amabile and Britain's Got Talent star Edward Reid - was held captive by Action for Children Scotland as part of a swashbuckling fundraising challenge, which raised a total of £6,069.

Anas Sarwar, Labour MP for Glasgow Central and deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate my fellow captives on the total raised. Action for Children Scotland operates more than 60 services across the country, from groups for young carers to emergency accommodation for homeless young people. I am proud to support such a worthy charity and pleased that I was able to secure my release!"

Jack Quick, marketing director at Balfour Beatty; Peter Beagley, general manager of Braehead Shopping Centre; Tracey Atcheson, owner of The Thrill of it All; and Jak and Pauline O'Donnell of The Sisters Restaurant also took part in the event. Armed with just a mobile phone and list of contacts, the captives were held on the Tall Ship until they raised a ransom for Action for Children Scotland.

Katie Forsyth, Action for Children Scotland fundraiser, explained: "In the 17^th and 18^th centuries, the Navy often tricked young men into joining up by knocking them over the head and taking them to sea. The captives were effectively shanghaied and could only secure their release by paying a ransom.

"We held Scottish celebrities, politicians and business leaders captive to raise money for Action for Children Scotland. The ransom will help us continue to support the country's most vulnerable children, young people and families to transform their lives and fulfil their potential. Congratulations to all of our captives on the total raised!"

All money raised will help Action for Children Scotland to provide a wide range of support to children and families across the country. To find out more about Action for Children Scotland fundraising events please visit http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/get-involved