IT was up, up and away for paralysed pilot Trevor Jones who flew over the Pleasure Beach in a micro-lite aircraft to raise money for Spinal Injury Awareness Week.

And not satisfied with scaling the dizzy heights in his purpose-built craft, he took a pal on the Big One straight afterwards.

Trevor, 35, who was paralysed after breaking his neck in a skiing accident while serving with the Royal Navy, flew solo to Blackpool from London to perform his aeronautical antics and collect £500 sponsorship from the Pleasure Beach.

At one point he came so close to the Big One he seemed to clip it with the underside of his plane.

After landing, Trevor, who once rescued Richard Branson from the Irish Sea after a trans-Atlantic crossing in a hot air balloon, said: "I did that on purpose - thought I'd just scare people a bit."

Trevor also managed to persuade fellow spinal injury victim Paul Anderson to take a trip on the Big One.

Paul, of Blackpool Road North, St Annes, said: "I've spoken to Trevor many times through the Spinal Injuries Association. He's completely fearless - a fantastic guy."

Both Trevor and Paul, who suffered a broken neck in a trampoline accident 16 years ago, had to be supported from behind on the giant roller coaster, with the help of Trevor's carer Jeremy Skinner.

"It was a fantastic experience," enthused Trevor, but a slightly more reserved Paul said: "Well, it certainly warmed me ."

Trevor is hoping to fly the length of the River Danube in September and later this year is having a book written about his life.

Proceeds from his ventures will go to the Spinal Injuries Association.

Pictured: Pleasure Beach director Nick Thompson hands over the £500 donation to Trevor (left) and Paul.

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