A memorial bench to Tom Parker of The Wanted will be installed in the place he used to visit after friends raised the money needed.

Bolton born Tom died from a brain tumour at the age of just 33 last year.

His friends banded together to fund a memorial bench to honour and remember him in his hometown in Bolton.

It will installed in Seven Acres Country Park.

Aaron Duggan, a friend who grew up with Tom in Tonge Moor, was overwhelmed with the support from the public at a fundraiser for the bench at The Swan Pub in Churchgate, Bolton town centre.

He said: “It was an amazing night and we had people come as far as Middlesbrough and it was nice to see people coming together.

“We want to do this again next year to raise money but we’re so happy we can have the bench.

“It’s not just for family and friends but somewhere anyone like the fans can come and have somewhere to sit and remember him.”

Tom was known to be at The Swan Pub in Churchgate where he would sing.

Aaron said: “We used to sit on some steps and Tom had learnt how to play the guitar.

“He would start playing and it was just like, how did he do that? It was amazing because he had so much talent and passion for It.

“It really meant a lot to us to be able to be part of that because we had such a good time together.

“We just want to be able to do this for everyone and we know just how much people appreciate it.”

Tom’s parents are also happy the bench will be going ahead in Bolton.

Aaron said: "This is the stage that changed Tom's life. 

"We hope by creating this charity event that will  give a platform to a whole new generation of young aspiring musicians to perform and shine through music and performances on the same stage that a global sensation kid from Bolton once achieved.

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"The reason I feel that Tom's memory has to be sustained in the community of Bolton through a memorial bench is because Tom loved Bolton.

“Tom was proud of his town, proud of his life and achievements.”