A MAN has been charged with endangering an aircraft after allegedly shining a laser pen at a police helicopter and temporarily blinding the pilot.

Christopher Rhodes, 45, is accused of shining the pen at the helicopter as it helped police pursue a car from Greater Manchester in Nelson, Lancashire, at 10.30pm on Wednesday.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said the pilot was forced to take evasive action.

Rhodes, of Highgate, Nelson, has been released on police bail until May 30.