THE two men behind the fundraising county charity Jailbreak have been made MBEs.

Inspector Ronald Davies and Grenville Smith, both from Hereford, were named in New Year Honours list.

They said the awards were the "icing on the cake" after reaching their target of £1m last June.

Jailbreak has been running for 11 years and raised money for many causes including Hereford County Hospital and Worcester's Acorns Children's Hospice.

It involves teams of sponsored fundraisers being dropped off at unknown destinations without money, maps or mobiles with the aim of getting back to Hereford by their own means.

Insp Davies said the award came as a complete shock.

"I thought it was a tax demand when I saw On Her Majesty's Service on the letter," he said, "I was taken aback and thought it can't be real.

"I don't know who nominated me, but although Grenville and I thought up the idea, recognition goes to all the people who raised the money.

"I think Jailbreak captured the imagination of many because of the mystery of where they would end up going. Also, every penny goes locally and the fact we are coppers was a big help in our inquiries."

Mr Smith said he was over the moon about the MBE.

"I never set out to gain recognition. This has come completely out of the blue," he said.

A Malvern Jailbreak fundraiser, Peter McKelvie, who helped form the dance group Malvern Crepes and Drapes to raise money for the charity, said he is delighted for Inp Davies and Mr Smith.

"It's an honour that's well deserved. You couldn't have given this honour to two nicer and more genuine people," he said.