IT'S time to get your shackles at the ready as the annual Dartmoor jailbreak draws closer.

For the 27th time, people from all over the country will take part in a jailbreak from Dartmoor Prison in Princetown to raise money for Cerebral Palsy research.

Teams of two or more are being invited to take part in the event, wearing prison costumes or other disguises, and will be released near the prison with between 12 and 168 hours (one week) to escape to as far away as possible.

The only rules are that teams must not pay for transport but must keep within the law. Transport can be pre-arranged, free tickets may be obtained or others can pay for or lend transport, and entrants must be over 16.

There will also be a chance to win a place in the Jailbreak Book of Records if old records are broken or new records are set — some records to beat are reaching New Zealand, crossing 22 countries, 160 'arrests' and 186 forms of transport.

Since 1984, the Dartmoor Jailbreak has raised almost £600,000 for Vranch House School and Centre in Exeter, for children with cerebral palsy and physical difficulties.

The teams must raise money for Vranch House, but may split their fundraising with a charity of their choice.

The Dartmoor Jailbreak will take place on Saturday April 24. For an entry form and free information pack, which includes the Jailbreak Book of Records, call Sue Gould on 01392 873543 or email [email protected]">[email protected]