PEOPLE who keep alive the memory of a friend have said a £1,200 thank- you to the organisation which has helped his family.

Ian Gamble's friends have supported his mother, Sheila, since he died from a stab wound almost five years ago in a late-night scuffle in his home town of Barnard Castle. The youngsters have been a constant support to Sheila, her son Andrew, and her partner, John Pringle.

For the past three years, they have marked 16-year-old Ian's life by collecting money for Wear Valley and Teesdale Victim Support Group at a fun run during Barnard Castle Meet. They gathered at Sheila and John's home to present their latest cheque to the group's co-ordinator Charles Chatterton.

John said: "We know that with friends of your calibre Ian's memory will live on for a long time."

As well as counselling the family, Mr Chatterton helped them win a full award from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, recognising that Ian's death was a crime.

A teenager from the Bishop Auckland area was cleared of Ian's murder at Teesside Crown Court in 1996.