JOHNNY Vegas popped into the Bird I'th Hand to raise a glass and toast singer-songwriter and one of his "inspirations" Paul Heaton.

The actor and comedian, from Thatto Heath, who is a regular visitor to the Prescot Road pub, made an appearabce on Monday evening.

To celebrate his 60th birthday on Monday, May 9, Paul Heaton had put money behind 60 pubs – including the Bird I'th Hand on Prescot Road.

Paul put money behind the bar until the money runs out or the bar goes dry.

Other pubs Paul included are in Manchester, Warrington, Liverpool and across the country.

READ MORE > 'Happy Hour' all day at Bird I'th Hand thanks to Paul Heaton

Paul's co-singer is St Helens' own Jacqui Abbott, and the Beautiful South pair will play a concert at Saints' stadium on July 22 this year.

The pub, known for its music nights each Saturday, has been playing Paul Heaton songs all day to mark the occasion. Also birthday balloons have been put up in the pub and 'Happy Birthday Paul' has been written on a sign behind the bar.

Johnny raised a toast to Paul and even got customers to sing an impromptu rensition of 'Happy Birthday' to him.

Johnny said: "So singer and word maestro Paul Heaton is so generous as to put money behind the bar of 60 pubs so we can all celebrate a drink on his 60th Birthday?

"A toast from everyone here at St Helens' Bird I'th Hand A truly generous soul and one of my genuine inspirations. Cheers!"

St Helens Star: Johnny and Bev at the Bird I'th HandJohnny and Bev at the Bird I'th Hand