A SPORTS organisation is holding a high-profile event to raise money in memory of a young football referee who died last year.

Horwich-born teacher Steve Allon, aged 34, died from a heart attack when he collapsed during a 200-metre run as he took a fitness test.

Bolton Referees Society are holding a male only dinner at the Reebok Stadium in March with ex Liverpool and England centre forward David Johnson as the guest speaker.

The money raised will be given to Mr Allon's family - his widow Sylvia and two young sons Mathew and Jakob.

Darren Handley, a committee member for Bolton Referees Society, said: "We have never done a dinner like this before, but we wanted to do something special to remember Steve.

"We are hoping to get about 200 people there and it is open to football clubs and local businesses. There will be auctions and Lancashire comedian Venn Tracy will be performing, as well as after-dinner speaker David Johnson so it should be a good evening."

Mr Allon grew up in Trevarrick Court, Horwich, and went to St Joseph's RC High School, Horwich, and university in Crewe, where he met his future wife on the same teaching degree course. He was a teacher at Brookfield High School, now called Oakfield, in Hindley for six years.

Tickets cost £40 for the event, which will be at the Platinum Suite of the Reebok on Saturday, March 24. For more information contact Darren Handley on 01942 820042.