A GREAT Harwood barman who was killed in a horrific car crash helped raised more than £1,500 for charity when his friends and family celebrated what would have been his 21st birthday.

David Szewczuk died in March when his Ford Fiesta careered off Hyndburn Road, Great Harwood, and ploughed into a tree. The former St Hubert's Primary School pupil was pronounced dead at the scene after being cut from the wreckage.

David, who lived in Pendle Road, Great Harwood, had been planning his 21st birthday celebrations and friends were determined to see them through to celebrate his memory and raise money for the National Kidney Research Fund - chosen because one of David's kidneys failed when he was a child.

His dad Tony, 51, said: "David's friends were very keen to make sure the date was marked with a tribute. And it was an ideal way to raise money for a worthy cause.

"David would have needed a kidney transplant in the near future because just half of his kidney was working. It was a very special tribute for a very special young man."

More than 120 family and friends - including mum Denise, 46, brother Michael, 25, and sister Sarah, 11 - attended the party, which was held at Mytton Fold Hotel in Langho, where David had worked for two years before landing a job at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel.

David's aunt Lorraine Woodridge, of Langho, sang and brought along an Abba tribute band and a Frank Sinatra impersonator who provided hours of entertainment.

Tony said: "The night was absolutely brilliant and we really want to thank everyone who made it so special, especially David's friends and businesses who gave raffle prizes."