Memorial dance for murdered Karen

Karen Aim's father said relatives had been moved by local support

A dance in memory of an Orkney backpacker murdered in New Zealand is to be held as the first anniversary of her death approaches.

Karen Aim, 26, died after a night out in the popular tourist resort of Taupo in January last year.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the ceilidh for Karen in Orkney at the weekend, and relatives have expressed their appreciation.

A teenage boy who was 14 at the time has been charged with her murder.

Karen's father, Brian, said he had been moved by the kindness of his local community, which organised the event to commemorate the first anniversary of his daughter's death.

'So touched'

Traditional Scottish bands will play at Saturday's ceilidh, and a schoolboy will perform a piece of fiddle music written specially for the occasion, titled Karen Elizabeth Aim.

"I have been so touched and it is wonderful that people can come to dance and celebrate Karen's life," Mr Aim said.

It was earlier announced an arts scholarship was to be set up in New Zealand in her memory.

The idea for the scholarships arose from her love and professional involvement in the visual arts while she was working in New Zealand's north island.