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Fame for heroine who saved man from duvet
WHEN Vanda George was invited to Britain's Got Talent she had no idea she would end up in the spotlight herself.
The Red Cross volunteer from Hornby Road in Blackpool had no time for stage fright when local entertainer Nicky Flash got trapped in a duvet cover and needed to be rescued.
The auditions for the hit TV talent show were held at Blackpool Opera House on Sunday and the Red Cross volunteers were in attendance to ensure the performers were in safe hands while they strutted their stuff on stage.
The rescue was so entertaining that Vanda has been asked to sign a form allowing her 'performance' to be shown in the TV broadcast.
While would-be escapologist Mr Flash fought for his freedom, Vanda found herself being personally addressed by ITV's Mr Nasty Simon Cowell.
Former prison officer Vanda, 38 said: "When I think back I still can't believe I got on that stage in front of 3,000 people.
"My colleague and I just sprang into action as soon as we realised that Nicky really did need our help."
Vanda and a young male colleague were taking a walk around the stage area when they realised all was not well with Mr Flash's act.
She said: "Nicky was certainly getting a lot of laughs when it became clear he wasn't going to be able to get out of the duvet he'd been padlocked into.
"He started shouting to Ant and Dec that he couldn't get out which made people laugh even more. At first we wondered if it was part of his act.
"Eventually I heard Simon shout 'You're first aiders aren't you? Go up there and get him out of that bag'."
"I was horrified when I realised he was looking at me."
Vanda managed to rip the duvet cover and free Mr Flash's head so he could breathe. Then, with the help of colleague Luke Scrannage, she managed to get the padlock off from around his neck.
She added: "Simon was actually quite complimentary to me he said 'If that is who they call when you need help here I might get taken ill myself!'"
"At the time I just went into work mode, Nicky was quite flustered by the time we managed to get him out so I was just concerned with making sure he was OK.
"It was only afterwards that I realised we would probably end up on TV."
Mr Flash is recovering from an injury to his knee meaning he found it difficult to get out of the duvet.
A cool pack was put onto his knee and Vanda and Luke stayed with him until he was calm again.
Emma Shawcross, 30, from Holme Road in Thornton, who was in the audience, said: "When the man got stuck in the duvet it was absolutely hilarious.
"We thought it was part of his act so couldn't believe it when he had to be rescued by the Red cross. It was great to watch."
Vanda added: "I have had lots of fantastic experiences with the Red Cross but this was particularly memorable."
The British Red Cross is looking for volunteers.
If you would like to volunteer for the Red Cross call 01253 749 337, or e-mail vdaly@redcross.org.uk.
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Weather for Blackpool
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
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