THE organiser of a fund set up in memory of a seven-year-old boy killed at a North-East tourist attraction have thanked people for their generosity after the total hit £2,700.

Karl Doran, from Darlington, died at Beamish Open Air Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, in July, after suffering fatal head injuries when he apparently fell from a traction engine driven by his father, Phillip.

A fund was set up to raise £500 for a memorial to the Whinfield Primary School pupil, who was a steam enthusiast and regularly volunteered at the museum.

The campaign, set up by set up by Andrew Barnes, had last night attracted 219 donations and stands at £2,710.

Mr Barnes said: “Thank you to everyone who has donated, the support has been amazing.”

An inquest into Karl's death was opened and adjourned at Crook coroner's court in July and an ongoing investigation is being carried out by Durham Police and the Health and Safety Executive.

After his death, his father and mother, Karen Bolam, from Darlington, said Karl was their “little prince of steam”.

They said: "Karl enjoyed martial arts, swimming and cycling, but he was never happier than when he was at Beamish.

“We take some small comfort from knowing that he died doing something he loved.

“He was our little prince of steam, covered in coal dust, soot and loving every second.

“He will be missed forever.”

The money will be used to help young enthusiasts learn about working steam engines.

Donate at justgiving. com/karldoranmemorial