TV COMEDIAN Phil Cool is to appear at a charity ball to raise funds for a local flying doctor.

Phil, who lives in Chipping, will attend the £35-a-head event at Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho, on May 3, to help raise £5,000 for Med-ALERT and for Dr Grant McKeating, the latest addition to the network of volunteer flying doctors, ready to respond to any serious accidents or medical emergencies in the area.

Now Dr McKeating and Med-ALERT are appealing for donations of items for an auction and raffle at the big event.

And two of the doctor's colleagues at the Royal Preston Hospital, where he works as a consultant in anaesthetics and intensive care, will also take part as members of the band 'Almost Famous'.

Dr McKeating is hoping to raise around £4,000 to equip his own car with a defibrilator to go with other equipment he has already installed to help out at the scene of accidents.

He has already responded to around 28 calls since his appointment two months ago.

Anyone who would like to donate items for the auction and raffle, or to buy tickets, can contact Dr McKeating on 07711 918104, or Marie Dawson of Med-ALERT on 01772 743543.