THE head of a North-East search-and-rescue charity has quit after it emerged he turned up wearing a paramedic-style uniform at a London bomb blast.

The charity, which is sponsored by several councils and businesses, told chairman Chris Readings to resign after learning he was previously accused of visiting accident scenes in a private ambulance or riding a paramedic-style motorcycle.

A national newspaper said Mr Readings rode his Honda, which was fitted with flashing blue lights, to the nail bomb blast at The Admiral Duncan pub, in Soho, in April 1999.

Mr Readings was the main force behind the formation of the North-East Discovery Search and Rescue (Nedsar) service, which was launched late last year.

It is made up of four-wheel-drive enthusiasts dedicated to taking doctors and other members of the emergency services out to patients in bad weather or over difficult terrain.

Among those who have donated money to the charity are Derwentside, Wear Valley and Easington district councils, Durham City Council, Northumbrian Water, Corus and Wilkinson's stores.

Committee members held an emergency meeting and called for Mr Readings' resignation to prevent any damage to the charity.

Nedsar treasurer Diane Dickinson said: "We have done fantastic work and want to continue, but could not do so with him."

The charity has an agreement with Northern Doctor Urgent Care, to help transport doctors to patients.

Craig Peacock, of the group, said: "Nedsar has done a fantastic job for us and we hope to continue. We told them we would, but not if he was still there."

Alex Watson, leader of Derwentside District Council said last night: "There is no question - Nedsar remains a respected and valued service. It is extremely unfortunate what has happened, but the organisation has acted swiftly in taking action by asking him to resign."

Wear Valley District Council leader Councillor Neil Stonehouse said: "If there are any issues with the person who leads it (Nedsar), it does not invalidate the quality of work of the group as a whole."

Mr Readings' actions were not illegal - he registered his ambulances, as anyone can - but at the time his actions attracted criticism from emergency service personnel.

Mr Readings, of Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, who is also chairman of Scottish Fire Investigations, said last night that he rejected the old newspaper claims.

He also showed The Northern Echo a St John Ambulance identity card, certificates for oxygen therapy, first aid at work and a medical emergency technician. On his wall were certificates from the National Fire Dog Academy and the US-based National Association of Fire Investigators.

He confirmed he had been at the Soho bombings, but only because he was nearby at the time.

He said: "When the emergency services arrived we stepped back."

In an e-mail to Nedsar Mr Readings said he had "no choice but to leave".