A CHARITY set up in memory of Liam Miller is preparing to offer its first grants to support underprivileged young people.

L.I.A.M. (Laughter, Inspiration, Art, Music) was established with the support of Liam's dad, Pete, brother Jamie and sister Natalie after the 20-year-old died following a stabbing attack in York last July.

Liam, from Terrington was a former pupil at Malton School and studied music and art at York College before going to university to study graphic design. A talented guitarist, he also played in a local band called Nocebo.

Samuel Donley, formerly of Hamilton Drive West, Acomb, is currently serving a prison sentence of more than six-and-a-half years for Liam's manslaughter.

L.I.A.M, has so far raised more than £20,000, including £717 from a music festival at The Yard in Malton, during April.

Ian Hughes, a friend of the family for more than 20 years, who helped set up the charity, said their aim was to make grants to underprivileged young people going to college to study art and music.

“We are happy to now be in a position to administer our first grants to students going into full-time higher education for the purchase of equipment or materials required to partake in their chosen studies," he added,

"The family of Liam and the trustees of the charity feel that as most of our initial financial support has come from the Ryedale area, then in our first year of grant giving, we would like to possibly give our support to students from our three local sixth form colleges, before opening up the charity to applications from the wider educational establishments of North Yorkshire in future years."

Those applying for grants would need to comply with certain criteria including and assessment of work and personal statement.

Liam's sister Natalie, said: "The family, as well as the trustees, would like to thank everyone at The Yard and all the artists that gave up their time to come and play at a really successful event.

"We had a lot of positive feedback and the L.I.A.M beer that was specially brewed for the event, was particularly popular."

"We have a busy summer ahead with a number of fundraisers lined up, including a team of 38 running the York 10k on the August 7. "

She added: "We are all thrilled with the way the charity is moving forward - the website is almost complete, and we are hoping to give the first set of grants to students in the Ryedale area, this summer.

For more information contact Ian Hughes at terringtonian@gmail.com or Natalie Miller, natmiller84@hotmail.com