Two West Hertfordshire MPs face a spell in jail next year.

Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, and David Gauke, MP for South West Hertfordshire, will each spend a night in HMP The Mount, Bovingdon on 19 January. However, the stay is not as a consequence of a criminal conviction but in support of a local charity - The Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted.

"The Hospice is moving site in the next couple of years and needs to raise £2m to fund the development," commented David. "By taking part in the sponsored night in jail, we hope to be able to help raise funds".

Mike Penning has made the Hospice of St Francis his annual charity. "The new building project is a really worthwhile cause as it brings together all the hospice’s services in one specially-designed building. I have been impressed with the way that people from all over Dacorum have been motivated by this project and have come together to help raise money. I am more than happy to do my part – even if it means a night in jail!"

Photo: Mike Penning and David Gauke behind bars.