THE charity that began at home to go a long way is returning to its roots - having grown into one of the county’s most successful fundraising drives ever.

Between 1990 and 2000 Jailbreak was the county’s most anticipated charity event attracting hundreds of participants and raising more than £1m for various charities.

Teams – often sporting garish fancy dress – gathered at Wormelow’s Park Hall and Hereford’s Racecourse before being driven to a mystery destination anywhere in the UK from where they had to make their own way back.

On July 14, those teams are all invited back to Hereford United’s Starlite Rooms as Jailbreak “masterminds” Grenville Smith and Ron Davies host a special reunion 23 years on from that first gathering.

“This is open to anyone who took part in Jailbreak, knows someone who did, or just wants to come for a great day out,” said Grenville.

“If you can still fit into your T-shirts get them out and wear them with pride.”

The Bastille Day date coincides with Race for Life – another charity event that has captured the county’s imagination over the years often as a crossover to Jailbreak.

“So why not get a ticket and come on down and continue the party after your run,” added Grenville.

The first Jailbreak took teams to Manchester, the last London, with the likes of Liverpool, Blackpool and Southampton along the way.

A “greatest hits” video looking back over that time on the road will be a feature of the event which starts at 2pm.

Tribute acts, a barbecue, pig roast, and “chill out” curry are also on offer.

Tickets are now on sale at Hereford United Football Club for £20 with the hope that the reunion will raise enough to make what Grenville describes as “a nice little donation” to local charities.