A KIND-hearted Blackpool bobby has given a total stranger the greatest gift of all -- the chance of life.

PC Paul Connell recently underwent an operation to donate some of his bone marrow after joining the world's first bone marrow register seven years ago.

The South Shore-based police constable, whose wife Fiona is a nurse, flew to London for the operation to help somebody he has never even met.

It was second time lucky for the 33-year-old police constable and father of 19-month-old baby Jake after earlier tests for a perfect tissue match were unsuccessful.

Paul said: "Although I had been on the register and called before, the news that I was suitable still came as a big shock to both Fiona and myself. There are thousands and thousands of different tissue types and I actually matched one," he said.

Paul, who was back on duty at the Montague Street police station this week, said he felt "only a little tender around the incision area." He said: "I feel just brilliant, elated even, and feel no further discomfort and would readily donate again if called upon to do so."

Paul said his colleagues at South Shore police station, especially his Sergeant, Paul McEvoy, and his inspector, Pete O'Dwyer, had been very supportive and a number of them were now looking into joining the register.

The Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust was set up to save the lives of patients who have reached the stage where they will die without a bone marrow transplant. It was started by Shirley Nolan after her seven-year-old son died while a donor was being sought.

Fund-raising manager for the trust Linda Crawford said: "Paul is one of those selfless human beings who placed himself on the register of volunteer bone marrow donors because he has enjoyed good health and simply wanted to offer something back to someone less fortunate. No reward can repay this selfless gift."

The trust, which receives no Government funding, is keen to hear from anyone aged between 18 and 40, weighing over eight stone and in general good health, particularly people from ethnic communities. For information contact 01253 860333.