Hello, hello, what’s the big ap-peel?

STEP back in time . . . Sgt Russ Magnall, dressed as a peeler, leads officers and staff on a charity walk with help from Constable Cub.

OLDHAMERS were forgiven a double take as the police took a step back in time to pound the streets as the peelers.

More than 20 officers and staff, along with mascot Constable Cub, took part in a 20-mile walk across the borough on Saturday to raise money for Help for Heroes and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

And they were led by Sgt Russ Magnall dressed in an authentic peelers outfit of dark blue longcoat and tall hat of the 19th Century.

Officers became known as peelers and bobbies after their founder Sir Robert Peel who set up the Metropolitan Police in 1829 before they spread to the rest of the country by 1856.

The charity walkers set off from Oldham Police Station and passed through each neighbourhood to collect donations.

They are resting tired legs after raising £937 through their efforts, which they are looking to boost to £1,000 with a donation by senior officers.

A spokesman said: “It was a good amount to say we were just collecting in buckets. We picked a really nice day for it and it went well. People were very supportive. Everyone was very responsive with businesses helping and people stopping their cars to put money in. People liked Sgt Magnall’s outfit and the children loved Constable Cub.”