THE mayor of the town where York backpacker Caroline Stuttle was murdered is to meet her parents during a holiday visit to York next month.

The Mayor of Bundaberg, Coun Kay McDuff, contacted Alan Stuttle and Marjorie Marks-Stuttle, to request the informal gathering.

Mrs McDuff extended the hand of friendship to Alan and his son, Richard, when they visited the Queensland town to pay their respects at the bridge where Caroline was killed.

The Press previously reported how the mayor, who will be visiting York with her husband, had written to Marjorie to tell her that 5,000 Australia dollars had been raised for Caroline's Rainbow Foundation, which promotes backpacker safety.

Mrs McDuff wrote: "It is still hard to believe that this could have happened in the city of Bundaberg. I can understand how difficult it is for you to handle your grief, and I am moved to think that you have risen above your extreme sadness to consider others who may wish to travel by setting up Caroline's Rainbow Foundation to support them."

Marjorie said they hoped to arrange for York's civic party to meet Mrs McDuff - and she also hoped to take her for high tea at Bettys tea rooms.

"We feel honoured that she wants to come and visit the city," she said.

"The murder really affected Bundaberg with a lot of backpackers staying away.

"It must have been a really difficult time for them," Marjorie said.

On April 10, 2002, Caroline, who lived in Huntington, was robbed and thrown from the bridge by heroin addict Ian Previte.

She was two months into her gap year tour of Australia with her best friend, Sarah Holiday.

In an effort to prevent similar tragedies happening again, Marjorie set up the foundation which has so far raised more than £100,000.

Alan, a renowned local artist, from Scarborough, said he will present the mayor with a first edition copy of his new book, The Bridge, which chronicles the aftermath of Caroline's murder.

"The mayor is ever such a nice lady and very, very caring," he said.

"She made us feel very welcome when we went to Bundaberg and went out of her way. I'm looking forward to seeing her again."

Meanwhile, the annual golf day at Allerthorpe Park Golf Club, to raise money for the foundation, will take place on May 16. Anyone wishing to enter a team should phone the foundation on 01759 304425.