DONATIONS towards a charity in memory of a Ryedale man has reached more than half its target in just over a week.

Friends and family of Liam Miller, from Terrington, who died following an attack in York in July, are aiming to launch the charity to help underprivileged young people in his memory.

The 20-year-old was a former pupil at Malton School and studied music and art at York College before moving to university in Liverpool to study graphic design. A talented guitarist, he also played in a local band called Nocebo.

A Just Giving page set up with the aim of establishing the charity, which will be called L.I.A.M. (Laughter, Inspiration, Art, Music) has so far raised £2,885 with donations from around the country and abroad.

Ian Hughes, a friend of the family for more than 20 years, set up the page, with the support of Liam's father, Pete, brother Jamie an sister Natalie.

He said: "Liam was a wonderful young man, with no malice whatsoever in him and for his life to be taken in such a brutal and tragic way is absolutely senseless.

"The different communities that Liam has enhanced need an outlet to keep his memory alive and a charitable trust in Liam's name seems the best way to go."

Ian added: "Any funds will go to establishing a grant giving charity in memory of Liam and it is hoped that as the charity develops that we can invest funds in Charibonds and use the income to award grants in Liam's name to deserving young people studying art or music at a post school level 2.

Liam's sister, Natalie, said the response had been 'amazing'.

"It is going really and the response from people has been very positive," she added.

"Dad has all sorts of plans and ideas on how to raise the money including producing a limited edition of one of Liam's paintings."

Comments on the Just Giving page include 'Liam will be in our thoughts forever a wonderful person brimming with talent, joy and adventure' and from a French family, 'Liam, we will forget never the magnificent summer where you has delighted us, to us and to our friends, by your presence, your smile, and your music. You leave a great void in our hearts'.

Donations can be made at crowdfunding.justgiving.com/LiamsLegacy. The target is to reach the £5,000 that is required to register as a charity.

Liam’s funeral service will be held on today at 11.30am, at All Saints Church, in Terrington, and afterwards at the village hall. Everyone is welcome to attend in casual dress, but the family have asked mourners to avoid wearing black.

* Liam was found suffering from multiple stab wounds in York on the night of Monday, July 27.

Samuel Frederick Donley, 19, was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with Liam’s murder and the attempted murder of Theophilos Theophilou who was stabbed nearby, close to the junction with Lady Hamilton Gardens. He appeared before Leeds Crown Court last month, and a provisional trial date was set for December 14.