AN annual football tournament in memory of a man who was murdered five years ago will be held over the festive period.

Former Newcastle United junior Gary Walton, a father of two daughters, was attacked in a pub in his home village of Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, in July 2000.

On Wednesday, December 28, he will be remembered when local teams compete for the Gary Walton Memorial Trophy at the village's recreation ground.

Six teams from the village will play for the trophy, which is donated by Wear Valley District Council and will be presented by former Newcastle and England defender Steve Howey.

One of the tournament's organisers is Gary's friend and former Newcastle United team-mate, Alan Shoulder.

He said: "We hold the tournament just to make sure Gary will not be forgotten.

"It is a big event in the village and we expect about 200 people there. We would like to see plenty of Gary's old team-mates."

The games will begin at 10.30am and will be followed by a buffet and a band at Coundon workingmen's club.

Christy McGrath, a 24-year-old jump jockey, from Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, in Ireland, who was working for a local stables, was arrested and charged with Mr Walton's murder. He later pleaded guilty and was sent to prison for 16 years.