DOZENS of prisoners 'broke out' of HM Prison Chelmsford and went on the run - but luckily the only loot they were after was charity donations.

Teams decked out in fancy dress were locked up by Chief Constable of Essex Stephen Kavanagh just before 9am on Saturday before escaping on foot, in getaway cars and even shopping trollies.

The prisoners were trying to get as far away as possible without spending any money all to raise money for local charities as part of the annual Essex Boys and Girls Club Jailbreak.

Team Kim's Kons won the furthest distance travel award by driving to 26 destinations around the country dressed as characters from Sesame Street including the Cookie Monster, Big Bird and Elmo before ending up in Nottinghamshire 131 miles away.

Tesco entered three teams, with the Jailbirds team travelling to London, the Escape to the Country team getting to Lowestoft while the All Around The Worlders even hopped on a passing barge during their escape.

Other teams, which included the North Avenue Youth Centre, Loughton Youth Project, the Colne Engainers and The Brightlingsea Crew also had adventures such as playing in football games, visiting Buckingham Palace and hiking.

Event Organiser Natasha Woodruff, from Essex Boys and Girls Clubs, said: "It was great to see lots of teams enter the Essex Jailbreak again this year.

"All the teams showed real passion and team work to escape effectively and have lots of fun!

"We’re really grateful to the Chief Constable and Essex Police for their support.

"It was a great touch to see Martin, a volunteer from the Essex Police Museum, in an authentic vintage Southend District police uniform.

"We’re now planning the Awards Ceremony in May and then looking ahead to next year’s event in April 2017.”

The Essex Boys and Girls Club hopes to raise over £1,000 for local charities.

Visit essexboysandgirlsclubs.org/EssexJailbreak.htm