A MEMORIAL bench has been unveiled in Newchurch on the first anniversary of the death of David Taylor. who died after an assault in Rawtenstall.

The seat has been donated by local craftsmen James and Morgan Cropper, of Water, and a memorial stone has been donated to the 25-year-old by Michael's Monuments.

They will sit in the beer garden of the Boar's Head pub and were unveiled by comedian and BBC Radio Lancashire presenter Ted Robbins during a fun day in the village on Saturday.

Money raised during the day, which is believed to total more than £3,000, is being donated to the David Taylor Memorial Fund, which was started by his family and aims to support sporting groups.

His dad, David, of Greendale Avenue, Newchurch, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the support we have had for the fund. It is a tribute to the people of Newchurch and to the memory of my son.

"We would like to thank all the people who helped with the fun day, donated prizes and came out to support this community event.

"David's life was about bringing pleasure to and helping other people, and all the events we have held in his name since his tragic death 12 months ago have been about that.

"The anniversary of his death has obviously been an emotional time for us and there have been tears, but there has also been a lot of laughter."

David said the fund, which had started as a collecting jar on the bar, had spiralled into something much bigger than they had imagined.

Donations have already been made to local boxing clubs and on Saturday David handed over a cheque for £350 to the National Association for Bikers with a Disablement.