FRIENDS of a devoted single mother who leapt to her death with her autistic son are raising money for a commemorative seat in their memory.

The seat will be placed at St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay - a favourite landmark of the boy, who was taken by friends to the coast weekly, to give his mother respite.

Helen Rogan and her 11-year-old son Mark were found at the foot of the 180ft Hownsgill Viaduct on the outskirts of Consett, County Durham. An inquest recorded a verdict of suicide and unlawful killing.

Richie Murray, who looked after Mark weekly for six years through Barnardo's Shared Care, said the youngster had come to develop a passion for the lighthouses of the North-East coast.

Mr Murray said: "We would visit lighthouses all along the coast and he would get a postcard, or model, whenever we went.

"His favourite was St Mary's lighthouse where we would have fish and chips.

"We thought a seat at the lighthouse would be fitting tribute to Mark and his mother. They would have really appreciated it.

"It will also be something for the community, where people can rest and enjoy the view."

Mr Murray, who with his partner Susan Lane, have a local 1970s band, the Lane Gang, needs to raise £450 for the seat.

They will hold a fundraising evening at the Victoria Club, Delves Lane, on Thursday, March 14.

The band, which also includes Mr Murray's sister Jude and his sons Chris and Rob, is looking for more raffle contest prizes.

Tickets are on sale in the club at £1 each or in advance by telephoning (01207) 502248 or 0780 8027187