A SPECIAL concert is to be held in memory of Gareth Mather, the 20-year-old from Newton-le-Willows who died after being stabbed just hours after arriving in Spain on holiday earlier this year.

The event has been organised by Collette Jackson as a tribute to Gareth, whom she had known since their childhood days.

Collette from Vicarage Drive, Haydock, told the Star: "When I first heard about Gareth's death I was numb with shock. His family used to live round the corner from me and we had been mates since we were kids. I even used to baby-sit his little sister, Lauren." Now, the 22-year-old, who currently works as a receptionist/administration assistant at Age Concern St Helens, is planning the Gareth Mather Memorial Concert, an evening of singing and entertainment, to be held at the Haydock C & B Club in Irelands Road, on Friday, September 29 from 7.30pm.

A trained singer and formerly a regular performer on the Frank Cunningham Charity Roadshow circuit, Collette is even planning to perform a couple of numbers herself, along with fellow singer, Kelly Wilson, a former winner of our Young Stars of Tomorrow contest, and other entertainers.

She added: "The concert is the least I can do for Gareth's dad, Ray and step-mum, Denise and they have asked me to say on their behalf, that they really appreciate the help and support everyone has given them. Any money raised on the night, whether through ticket sales or a prize raffle, will go towards any transport or accommodation costs they may incur if they have to go back to Barcelona for police enquiries."

Tickets for the concert, which also includes a disco, are £3 and can be bought from Collette on 601116 or the Haydock C & B Club on 604097.