FRIENDS and family of a man who died in a motorbike crash have raised more than £23,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance in the 10 years since his death.

Alan Hogg, 30, died in a crash on the A69, near Hayton, on September 26, 2008.

Alan's friends Trevor Fawkes and Anna Murray were determined to keep his memory alive and have held a series of fundraising events.

Anna said: "Alan was a passionate individual who loved cars and motorbikes. When he wasn't out on the open road he was at auctions and shows, and he often used his hobby to help raise money for local charities. Sadly, Alan’s life came to an end on September 26, 2008 when his motorbike was involved in an RTA on the A69 near Hayton, Brampton. He was only 30 years old.

"His sudden death hit his family and his many friends hard, but it also inspired us to do something positive and fitting in his memory."

Over the last nine years Alan's friends have remembered him each year by holding a pool competition at the Bluebell Inn, Newbiggin, near Heads Nook.

Anna said: "We've held the pool competition at the local pub we used to all meet at and have held the competition alongside a raffle and auction to coincide with the anniversary of his death.

"Alan’s friends and family are delighted that it has proved to be such a popular and a fitting tribute to the memory of Alan, who himself enjoyed a game of pool with his mates at the local.

"Last year we held the pool competition on September 29 where the winner each year gets there name engraved on the Memorial Shield."

And last year his friends decided to mark the 10th anniversary of Alan's death with a black tie casino evening at the Crown Hotel at Wetheral on November 3.

Anna said: "This was a ticket event open to everyone to come along and have a great evening remembering a special friend but also raising funds for the very needed Great North Air Ambulance Service.

"Each year we contact local businesses and have been overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of everyone over the last 10 years.

"Thanks to everyone’s help and support we are now delighted to confirm we managed to raise an absolutely amazing £5,832.98 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service in memory of Alan on what was his 10th year anniversary of losing him."

Over the last 10 years the friends have raised ££23,276.98 for the charity.

Anna said: "This is truly outstanding and we wouldn't have been able to do this without all the support and kind donations which we have received, which we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for."

Alan was a former pupil of William Howard School in Brampton.

He worked for 11 years at the Eden Valley Mineral Water Company in Armathwaite.

Alan, who was the youngest of three brothers by 15 years, died when his bike was in collision with an Isuzu Trooper 4 x 4.