THE man suspected of murdering Michael Blakey was due to appear in court today - as donations for a tribute in his memory of the Burnley aid worker began pouring in.

Pawan Bhardwaj, husband of Rachel Owen - who helped set up the Tong Len Charitable Trust with Michael - was set to appear in court for a second time in connection with the death of the 23-year-old.

Bhardwaj appeared in court earlier this week when he was remanded in custody, although he has not been formally charged with an offence.

His appearance comes as it was revealed well-wishers have already raised nearly £1,000 towards the charity's aim of building a new centre, which will be named after Michael, to helped deprived communities in northern India.

Yesterday £775 had already been pledged including donations from Michael's dad and brothers, Paul and Chris, who gave £100 each.

Mr Blakey said that he had received another £125 which he would pass on to the charity.

He thanked people who had already donated cash and said that the money would help go towards financing long-term projects which would help villagers become self sufficient and not be spent just on short-term relief such as food.

Mr Blakey said: "It is wonderful to see the total after only a couple of days.

"Michael's family would like to thank everyone for their wonderful donations made so far.

"The fund will help to bring life to the tireless work of Michael and his colleagues in building the much needed welfare centre for the deprived children."

The appeal aims to raise £20,000 to build and open a centre in the Dharamsala region of India in Michael's memory.

It has been set up by Rachel Owen's mother, Anna Owen, 64, who runs the British arm of the charity.

She said: "We want to remember Michael by establishing the Michael Blakey Centre in Dharamsala.

"The centre will be a focus for the work that Michael was passionate about - addressing the needs of the homeless, the poor and the deprived communities of India."

Michael's body was found in a gully near to the church where he worshipped in a remote Himalayan village two weeks ago.

A post mortem examination found the devout Christian, of Mayfair Road, Pike Hill, had been killed by blows to his head and neck.

On Tuesday an inquest was opened and adjourned into the Swansea University graduate and former St Theodore's pupil death, after East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor asked for more details of the police investigation.