A LASTING memorial to a Bacup teenager killed in a motocross accident is set to be created in the Valley.

Friends of Matthew James Entwistle, 15, are organising a fundraising day called Matt Fest' to help raise enough cash to build a new BMX track at Stubbylee skatepark in Bacup.

The youngster, a pupil at Fearns Community Sports College, Bacup, died following an accident at the 4X4 Back Cowm Quarry Centre at Whitworth, Rossendale, on August 10.

Matthew, who lived in Rochdale Road, Bacup, is understood to have fallen to his death over a 70ft drop.

As he was a keen trials biker and a member of Rossendale Motocross Club, friends have decided to raise enough money to pay for the memorial so he can always be remembered.

Kim Johnson, a family friend of Newline, Bacup, said: "A lot of his young friends from Fearns wanted to do something for him so we are trying to raise approximately £3,000 or more for a memorial piece of BMX/ skateboard equipment.

"The park was a place where Matthew spent a lot of his time and had fun so to help raise the money needed for the memorial we are organising a fun day.

"A lot of his school friends and family are already involved but it would be wonderful to get everyone there and make this a fantastic day for such a fantastic lad. Councillor Jimmy Eaton has been helping us to organise the event for which we are very grateful."

The event will include a sponsored walk and treasure hunt, BMX and skateboard competition, bouncy castle and MC competition.

There will also be games and competitions including boot throwing and timed wheel changing.

Coun Eaton said: "I have organised two skateboarding competitions before so I was asked to help out with this project. We are hoping it will be a nice day to help get as many people to the event as possible."

Organisers of the event, on Saturday, October 14, also want local businesses to come forward with sponsorship or donate prizes. Anybody wanting to make a donation should contact 01706 878140 or 01706 873072.

Police and safety officials from Rossendale Council are investigating Matthew's death at the 150-acre off-road quarry site.