A JUNIOR football tournament is to be held in memory of a schoolboy killed in a collision with a motorbike.
Billy Dean, aged eight, was walking along a pavement outside the Hare and Hounds pub in Market Street, Stoneclough, when he was hit by the motorbike.
The avid Wanderers fan was walking back home to Bridge Street with his parents, Joe and Elaine, having watched a Stoneclough FC match. He died at the scene.
Club officials are now organising a huge junior tournament in memory of Billy and to honour his love for football and strong support for the club.
The seven-a-side football tournament will feature eight under-12 teams made up of local young footballers and members of Billy's family from the North-east.
A club spokesman said: "We want to move on with Billy in mind. We wanted to get the local children involved as Billy was a smashing lad with lots of friends. Billy idolised his elder brother Brett, who played for our team.
"He used to love watching the team play on a Saturday and would always fetch the balls for us if they went over a fence. We want the tournament to be fun -- something that Billy would have loved to have played in himself."
The annual Billy Dean Memorial Trophy will be played for at Brook Street playing fields in Stoneclough on Sunday, May 4, from noon to 4pm.
His father Joe, aged 44, said: "I think it is a brilliant idea. It is to remember Billy's life. It is still hard for us, but friends and family have been wonderful.
"We have got to keep his memory going. Everybody who knew him loved him."
All money raised will go towards the asthmatic unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital as Billy suffered from asthma.
His death last August prompted calls from campaigners to install bumps to combat speeding traffic. Bolton Council then announced traffic calming measures costing £8,000.
Steven Harrison, aged 40, of Hartford Drive, Tyldesley, is accused of dangerous driving in connection with Billy's death. He is due to appear at Bolton Crown Court on April 24.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article