A POPULAR newsagent is in an intensive care unit after breaking his neck in four places when he fell downstairs.

Dozens of well-wishers have called into Brian Heyes' shop, in Vernon Street, Farnworth, since the 59-year-old was admitted into hospital on January 28. Mr Heyes tripped and fell downstairs at his home during the night.

His partner, Pam Wignall, aged 59, said: "I felt him get out of bed and then heard him fall. I got up and saw him at the bottom of the stairs. He just couldn't move."

Mr Heyes has been behind the counter at Heyes News for more than 30 years and is well-known to customers for his cutting sense of humour.

Mrs Wignall said: "It's touching just how concerned people have been and it's really helped me.

"He insults everyone who comes into the shop but they all seem to love him."

Mrs Wignall said doctors would have to wait until the swelling and bruising had subsided before the effects on his mobility were known.

"We'll just have to wait and see. He's very strong-willed and the family will pull together to help him," she said.

Mr Heyes was placed in an induced sleep after having breathing difficulties last week but was brought round after surgeons performed a tracheotomy on Tuesday.

He is shortly expected to be transferred to the spinal injuries unit at Southport General Hospital.