THE BOSS of a Blackpool shop sponsoring this weekend's sell-out Peter Kay gig at Blackpool Opera House has told of his support for the fund-raising effort.

Adrian Parrington, general manager of Originals, Clifton Street, agreed to sponsor the April 19 'Laughter in the Air' gig for the North West Air Ambulance (NWAA) after touring its base at Blackpool Airport.

All did not go quite according to plan, but that only strengthened Adrian's support, said NWAA public relations director (and Granada TV presenter) Paul Crone.

"No sooner had Adrian got a cup of tea in his hands than air ambulance was scrambled on a 999 call," he said.

It emerged a man was trapped under an upturned wagon full of carpet rolls at Clitheroe.

"Adrian got to see first hand what a vital and busy service this is, and we're delighted that Originals Clothing are sponsoring the first ever Laughter in the Air Concert later this month," Paul added.

Adrian, who oversees seven other Originals stores in the North West, met pilot Jim O'Brien, paramedic Clive Carter and ambulance technician Graham Bowen for a tour of the helicopter when it returned.

Later Adrian said: "This is such a valuable service to the whole of the North West and we are proud that we have been able to become involved in the fund-raising."

All proceeds from the Laughter in the Air concert will go towards the North West Air Ambulance and performers including Peter Kay, Paul Zenon, Steve Royle, Ted Robbins, Harper and Safire are appearing for free.

The North West Air Ambulance operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year, costing £60,000 every month. The charity receives no government funding and does not qualify for lottery grants, relying instead on charity and sponsorship to keep it serving the 7 million North West residents.