FRIENDS and family of a young farmer who was left paralysed after he was crushed by a one-ton bale of hay are holding a fundraising equestrian day.

Robert Field, 21, from Cornfield Grove, Burnley, broke his back, fractured his jaw and severed a main artery after the bale fell on him while he was working at Shuttleworth House Farm, Hapton, in September last year.

He was airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital after the accident and his family said that he was lucky to be alive because the bale missed his upper body and head.

Now friends and family have organised a fundraising day in the hope of raising £5,000 for the Air Ambulance who saved him.

Robert, who went to Wellfield Primary School and Ivy Bank High School, both Burnley, has been treated in the spinal injury unit at Southport & Formby District General Hospital after being transferred from Preston.

He was allowed to return home in time for Christmas and has just bought a mobility car to allow him to have more freedom.

The fundraising event is taking place on Saturday June 28 at Croft Top Equestrian Centre in Stone Fold near Accrington as a thanks to the air ambulance service.

The day will start with classes at 8.30am and the last class will start at 3pm. There will also be a raffle and food and drinks will be available.

Robert will be at the event and will be presenting the North West Air Ambulance with a cheque on July 12.

Family friend Joan Duxberry who is helping to organise the event said: "The air ambulance have done a lot for people in the area, although it was the Yorkshire air ambulance that helped Rob, we felt that the North West Air Ambulance are desperately in need of funds.

"We have been organising the event for the last few weeks. We are hoping that people will want to enter the competition and raise a lot of money for a good cause."

There will be over 20 classes which include mountain and moorland, showing, jumping and young stock. Winners will win trophies and rosettes.

Entry costs £7 before the day or £10 on the day. For more information or to book call Joan Duxberry on 01282 615748 or Cathy Atkinson on 01282 455185.