A TOP magician from Thornton, near Horncastle, will be performing at a special dinner to raise money for a vital county service.

Illusionist Paul Cooke has given his services for free to perform an hour-long show in aid of the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance's 15th anniversary.

Mr Cooke will be performing at the Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa on October 2.

He explained: "I agreed to do it because we have all got to do our part.

"I will be doing experiments with the power of the mind and the paranormal and also strait jacket and card tricks.

"I am a member of the Magic Circle and have been in magic since I was four years old. One of my first jobs was when I was aged 17 – I was one of the youngest magicians anywhere working on a cruise liner.

"If you watch TV you will see my name on the credits on every magic show in the last seven years, including Derren Brown and Channel 4's Dirty Tricks."

The air ambulance supports the emergency services in Lincolnshire, especially in rural communities where residents have to travel long distances for emergency medical attention.

It costs £1.5m every year to keep it flying with no help from Government so fund-raising events are all important.

Dr Ian Hindle, chairman of the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance Trust, said: "I just called Paul and he said he would do it for free.

"I have been working for the air ambulance for 10 years. When my dad was poorly in Lincoln County Hospital I would notice it flying in and out of the hospital. I really enjoy every aspect of the job.

"We cover 3,000 square miles and it takes us less than 20 minutes to the furthest points of both counties."

Dinner is £40 per head and includes a three-course meal plus champagne on arrival and special rates on rooms.

There will live music and a comedy slot, plus a prize draw with the chance to win a day with the Red Arrows.