FRIENDS of a popular teenager stabbed to death seven years ago have raised another £650 in his memory, boosting their total to almost £10,000.

Sheila Gamble, whose son, Ian, died in the tragedy at Barnard Castle, County Durham, said yesterday: "It is a magnificent achievement. I am really grateful to all the young people who have worked hard to reach such a wonderful amount."

The latest sum was handed over by Chris Venis, Richard Patterson and Lee Hammond, all now in their 20s, who collected it from sponsors after completing the Great North Run.

With about 20 others, who were all fellow pupils of Ian at Teesdale School, they organise events every year to add to the fund.

The money goes to Victim Support, which gave Mrs Gamble help following Ian's death.

She said: "The victim support service gave me a lot of assistance when I needed it most, so it is fitting that the money raised in Ian's memory has all gone to help other victims of crime."

The fundraisers also donated money to buy a bench and install it beside the County Bridge over the River Tees in Barnard Castle, near where Ian was stabbed.

Flowers are still regularly placed at the scene.

Mr Venis said: "Ian was well liked by everyone and we were all shattered when he died. We decided we had to do something to keep his memory alive. We mean to go on raising more money."

The fund is expected to pass the £10,000 mark soon when another friend, Terri-Leigh Middlemass, does a sky-dive.

A youth was charged with murdering Ian but was cleared when intent was not proved in court.