FRIENDS and family of Stuart Lange, the popular Dilton Marsh man who tragically died following a crash in July, held a fundraiser event in his name to raise money for The April Jones Trust on Saturday.

The event, held at The Prince of Wales pub in the village where Mr Lange was a regular, was based around his love of music with three live bands playing and raised a total of £1,679 for the charity.

It was originally the modest idea of pub landlord Stephen Greatwood, friend of Mr Lange, Dan Hillman and the local church vicar, Steve Jarvis, but ended up being a much bigger project involving many locals from the village.

Mr Greatwood said: “Myself, my staff and my loyal customers really needed to do this to show their appreciation for the wonderful selfless guy Stuart was.

“He lit up the room every time he walked in and a true friend to so many.

"The idea started off as a gig in the pub but gradually grew to become a huge village celebration, which highlights how popular he was.

"Brakelight, one of the bands, started their set by asking people to come up on stage and share their memories of Stuart, which was quite emotional and very touching.

"Overall we're delighted with how it went, it was a cracking way to raise money and to remember a local legend who is no longer with us."

Coral and Paul Jones, the parents of April, who died four years ago at the age of five, travelled to the event from Wales in support of the fundraiser.

Mr Lange had been involved in previous fundraising events for the trust, including a skydive, before he died.

Kelly Brimble, one of the volunteers on the day, said: “Thank you to everyone who came and supported a great cause, it was an amazing day.

“Stu would have loved it.”