FUNDRAISERS behind the campaign to raise money in memory of tragic Burnley teenager Declan Edwards said they hoped to raise £20,000.

A number of events have already taken place following the death of 16-year-old Declan two weeks ago.

Further fundraisers are being planned to raise enough for a lasting memorial and to help fund activities for children.

Tom Oliver, whose girlfriend’s son was one of Declan’s closest friends, said: “The response has been overwhelming and we expect to raise possibly as much as £20,000.

“That will help build a memorial for Dec and possibly something to help the kids of the community off the streets in an attempt to prevent something like this happening again.”

A curry night at the Bombay Lounge, in Barrowford, on Friday night, raised more than £1,000, which helped to pay for the funeral, which was attended by hundreds of people on Saturday.

Children from Brunshaw Primary School raised £521 last week with a non-uniform day, and a football match between Declan’s school Unity College and Shuttleworth College raised £900.

Mr Oliver has created a website for people to donate at declan-edwards.loud-marketing.net, and will be adding details of donations to the site.

He said: “We are pleasantly surprised and grateful how the town and surrounding area has pulled together in such a difficult time.”

A full inquest will be heard on August 19 after he was found hanging in Rowley Park, Burnley, on May 8.