THE bravery of a teenage boy who won the hearts of the people of Little Lever and beyond has inspired a charity CD.

Tom Watson died in September at the age 15 after losing his battle against cancer.

The Little Lever High School pupil was diagnosed with the illness in 2006 when doctors found a tumour in one of his knees, which led to his leg being amputated.

Scores of people from the local community attended his funeral in September.

Now family friend Jim Barnes has recorded and released a CD in memory of Tom to raise money for Derian House Children’s Hospice, based in Chorley.

Mr Barnes, of Little Lever, said: “Tom had wanted to go into Derian House but passed away a week before he was due to go in.

“Tom was a popular lad and his bravery touched a lot of people, including me. This CD is in memory of him.”

Mr Barnes, aged 64, was asked to record a CD after friends heard him sing at karaoke evenings.

He has put together 10 swing tracks, including classics such as Fly Me to the Moon and New York, New York.

The CD is on sale at pubs in the village, as well as at Dobbies Sports and Social Club in Bradley Fold Road, Bradley Fold, where an exhibition match was held in honour of Tom, who was a snooker fan.

Tom’s parents, Ian and Andrea, said they were very pleased with the CD.

Mr Watson said: “It’s excellent. Everyone involved has put a lot of effort in. We’re very thankful.

“Derian House do a fantastic job. We raised around £1,700 just from donations from Tom’s funeral.

“He was a very brave young lad. It’s still hard now, months down the line.”

The CD is priced at £3.95 and all proceeds will go to Derian House.

schaudhari@theboltonnews.co.uk