Exmouth and Topsham 'jailbirds' raise cash for charity

JAILBIRDS from Exmouth and Topsham have helped raise thousands of pounds for charity after successfully completing the 2009 Dartmoor Jailbreak.

JAILBIRDS from Exmouth and Topsham have helped raise thousands of pounds for charity after successfully completing the 2009 Dartmoor Jailbreak.

George Stone and Joe Douglas, both from Exmouth Community College, walked 30 miles and hitched to Watford and Tunbridge Wells in their quest for 'freedom'.

Topsham escapee and double leg amputee Norman Croucher made his bid for freedom to raise cash for the youngsters at Vranch House, in Exeter, and the Estuary League of Friends.

Mr Croucher previously escaped in the Dartmoor Jailbreak in 2000 when he scaled more than 3,000 feet to climb a mountain in Snowdonia.

He said: "As a double leg amputee from the age of 19 years old I have been delighted to support the children of Vranch House, many of whom cannot walk unaided."

There was asecond Topsham escape when locals from the Passage House Inn fled to freedom on the Topsham ferry.