THE memory of Tom Rowley will live on this weekend during a family fun day to raise funds for a lasting tribute to the popular Poole teenager.

Limelights Youth Club in Learoyd Road, Canford Heath , will provide the setting for Sunday’s event which will boost the youth club’s coffers and finance a bench in memory of 18-year-old Tom.

Tom’s mother Pam said: “Tom lived on Canford Heath all his life and loved it here. As well as attending local schools he went to the youth club. He also met his friends at the skate park where the bench will be erected.

“It is a meeting point for youngsters on the estate but there is nowhere for them to sit at present. We’ve no idea how much we will raise but everyone is welcome to come along.”

The fun will begin at 10am and last until early evening with a free buffet, stalls, raffle, bouncy castle and a football match between Tom’s friends and a Dorset police team.

Pam said: “Tom played football and we think it is important to forge links between the young people on Canford Heath and the police. We just want everyone to have fun.”

She thanked all who had supported the family following Tom’s sudden death on August 5 from a drug overdose, adding: “It’s been a big shock and very hard for us to take it in but we have been overwhelmed with the support we have received.

“People on Canford Heath have been absolutely amazing and so supportive. We have received so many flowers, cards and phone calls which has helped us to cope.

“The young people who knew Tom have been so respectful, well behaved and kind to us. For the first few weeks we were so busy but now the house is suddenly quiet.

“Tom was much loved by his family and friends, he loved Canford Heath and, as a family, we want to give something back to the estate.”

An inquest into Tom’s death has opened and been adjourned.