A LANDLORD has organised a fundraising tribute to a tragic youngster who was killed in a road traffic accident.
Brian Price of the Hare and Hounds pub, Stoneclough, is hosting the charity night on Wednesday to raise money in memory of eight-year-old Billy Dean.
Billy, of Bridge Street, Stoneclough, was walking near the pub with his parents Joe and Elaine, last weekend when he was struck by a motorcycle which had been in a collision with a Porsche. The Prestolee Primary School pupil died at the scene.
His funeral will take place on Monday and Billy's family have asked for donations in his memory to go to the National Asthma Association.
Mr Price has invited the Bolton Wanderers manager and a few players to attend the charity night as little Billy was such a devoted Super Whites fan.
He is also negotiating with Manchester City and Manchester United to secure football goodies for an auction. The charity night starts at 8.30pm and anyone is welcome.
Mr Price said: "We're devastated as a community and want to do something to help Billy's family."
The funeral will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Prestolee, at 10.30am followed by interment in St Saviour's Churchyard, Ringley, at 11am.
Rev Tony Roache, vicar of Prestolee and Ringley, who will take the service, said the whole community had been shaken by the death of the popular eight-year-old.
"Since Sunday morning when most people found out about the tragic accident there has been a sombre mood in the village. People are shaken and shcoked that such a young life has been so tragically torn from among us.
"We have prayed daily for Billy's family and friends and for the police and medical teams that dealt with the aftermath of the event.
"Billy's funeral on Monday will be an emotional time as we mark the end of a life that had barely begun and prepare for a future with a gaping hole in it."
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