£8,000 raised at Danielle event

A CD track called Danielle has been recorded in her memory

Thousands of pounds have been raised for a fund set up in memory of murdered Nottingham teenager Danielle Beccan.

A dinner hosted at the city's Council House on Wednesday, where guests included former Nottingham Forest star Des Walker, raised £8,000.

The 14-year-old's family hope the money raised will help fund a performing arts centre for inner city youngsters.

Two men, Junior Andrews and Mark Kelly, were earlier found guilty and sentenced to life for Danielle's murder.

Lasting tribute

Danielle died after being hit in the stomach by a shot fired from a car as she walked home from the city's annual Goose Fair in October 2004.

The evening included entertainment from a gospel choir and a charity auction.

Organiser Jocelyn Platt said: "There was a fantastic buzz around the place, really positive vibes.

"Everybody knew why they were there - to raise money and support the trust, but also to make a positive show about this city.

"We thought if we could raise £5,000 then we'd be very happy - we took a look last night and it looked in the order of £8,000 plus.

"But it's not just about financial support, it's about supporting the trust in anyway people can, spreading the word."

The money raised from the event will be put towards the costs of the new performing arts centre, although plans for it are in the early stages.

A group of Danielle's friends have already put together a tribute CD as part of the fund-raising efforts.

Their track "Danielle" was recorded in the Community Recording Studio in St Ann's.