A HAIRDRESSER says he has been inundated with support for his plans for an annual gay pride march through Accrington.

Paul Freely said that he has been "overwhelmed" with people offering help for the event and that he was determined to make the proposal happen.

The owner of Accrington's Paul Freely Euro Hair and Beauty said he believes the idea would be a "huge boost" to the area and could attract the "pink pound" to Hyndburn.

Mr Freely believes there should be an annual gay march through Accrington and that money should be ploughed into Cross Street to make it a mini rival to Manchester's gay scene.

He said: "Since I first mentioned the idea last month I have received a lot of letters and phone calls with people telling me to go for it and offering help.

"These are local people who are saying what a fabulous thing it would be to celebrate the diversity in Hyndburn." He said that he was now keen to speak to event planners who would like to get involved in planning the march.

Mr Freely added: "This is not a pie-in-the-sky idea. It is all coming together really well so far and it is definitely something that I want to make a reality."

The 40-year-old, who runs his business in Cross Street, in the centre of Accrington, said that an annual gay march through the town could be something for the whole community to enjoy.

He said: "I'm hoping that this march can help bring harmony to the community and be something that would involve families as part of a fun day for the town."

The march would not mirror similar events which take place in Manchester and Blackpool but would be unique to Accrington, he said. The idea has received some support from Hyndburn Council.