Friends of Stephen Downey, who died in August, hope to raise more than £3,000 in his memory with an evening showcasing talent from across Leyland.

Auditions will be held this month for the event, being called 'Breath of Fresh Air', and all money raised will be donated to Asthma UK.

Rachael Simm, who is organising the event with her friend Joanne Shepherd, said: "I was in the same year as Ste and all of our class was really close.

"We all went out together and his death came as a real shock and we just wanted to do something to raise money to help other people who have asthma.

"We have already started to arrange a five-a-side football competition and a pub crawl, but the evening will be a great night for different acts to show their talent ."

Rachael, whose brother Kevin was part of pop band Liberty X, has also shown a talent for singing and will perform on the evening.

She has also promised a guest appearance from a new solo artist who will give a sneak preview of their new material.

The trainee teacher, who lives in Merlin Close, added: "We really want lots of acts to get involved and we are looking for bands, solo artists and people to present the show.

"The auditions will be held at Wellfield High School, where I went to school with Ste, on September 13 and 14, and we will have a film crew there who will be putting together a DVD.

"The main event is being held on November 18 at Wellington Park, in Leyland, and absolutely everyone is welcome - we just want it to be a huge success."

Bands who want to get involved will be able to audition on Saturday, September 13, from 12 to 5pm, and solo singers and presenters will get their chance to impress on Sunday, September 14, from 10am to 5pm.

There will be a PA system set up at the auditions and acts can sing a cappella, but backing music would be preferred.

For more information contact Rachael Simm or Joanne Shepherd by emailing breathoffreshair2008@hotmail.co.uk.