BLACKBURN Rovers striker Paul Gallagher helped to present trophies at the first annual football tournament to be held in memory of a teenager killed in a car crash.

The Rovers player attended the five-a-side eventand spent about two hours chatting, signing autographs and helping present the trophy.

The competition was organised by the family of Carl Vause, 19, of Amber Avenue, Roe Lee, Blackburn, who was killed when the van he was travelling in as he returned from a working trip to London, collided with another vehicle last month.

The competition, which was held at the JJB Soccer Dome, will now become an annual event.

Carl's cousin, Anthony Carney, said: "It was absolutely brilliant.

"Paul Gallagher spent quite a bit of time watching some games and playing football with the kids, he was brilliant with them.

"It's the sort of thing Carl would have loved and it will definitely be an annual event."

Carl's family members would like to thank everyone who helped with the event, which has helped raise more than £375 for Derian House children's hospice, and £250 which will go towards a headstone for Carl.

A number of local businesses helped out, including Curry's, PC World, The Stanley Arms and Comet.