SUPER little swimmer Harrison Smith has made quite a splash for the North West Air Ambulance.

The kind-hearted seven-year-old has raised more than £400 for the emergency helicopter in a sponsored swim.

Harrison, from Cheddar Avenue, South Shore, decided to take the plunge when he saw the air ambulance while out for a walk with his grandparents.

His grandma Kath explained: "We were walking by the airport when Harrison saw the helicopter.

"When we told him what it was for he was very interested and said what a good idea it was.

"We think it is a very worthy cause and when Harrison said he was going to try for his 100 metres swimming badge it seemed like sponsoring his attempt would be a great way to raise money for it.

"Harrison asked his family and some friends at Our Lady of the Assumption school which he attends to sponsor him and it just snowballed from there."

He successfully completed the swim at the Fernlea Hotel, St Annes, where he has been taking lessons for two years.

His superb effort delighted Claire-Marie White, appeals manager for Friends of the North West Air Ambulance.

She said: "We are totally overwhelmed at what Harrison has done.

"It is very heartening that a young boy of his age should care so much about the service.

"He has put in a tremendous effort and we are extremely grateful to him."

To celebrate his achievement Harrison was invited to the airport to have a look at the helicopter and given a year's free membership to the Heli-Angels junior club.

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