A SURVIVOR of the Manchester terror attack has marked the anniversary by organising a community event to support those affected.

It was a year ago today, at a pop concert attended by thousands of young people, that a suicide bomber detonated explosives, killing himself and 22 others.

Shaun Malpass, 23, from Consett, was seated near the foyer, but was not injured by the explosion and he had waited for a few minutes for the crowds to clear when the bomb went off.

As well as the fatalities, over 800 people were injured by shrapnel from the device as well as the subsequent panic to get out of Manchester Arena following the concert by American singer Ariana Grande.

Today, Mr Malpass and the friends he attended the gig with will be meeting up for a meal to support each other.

He said: “It is just to remind each other that we are still there for other and that we got home that night. Sadly, a lot of people didn’t.”

Those killed included 32-year-old Philip Tron, and his 19-year-old stepdaughter, Courtney Boyle, as well as teenage sweethearts Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19, from South Shields,

On Sunday, Mr Malpass organised a community funday at an equestrian centre, near Durham, which included live music, a ceilidh band, bouncy castle among other attractions, including a mile long three-legged cross country challenge.

Mr Malpass, who works as an events co-ordinator, said: “There was a much better turn out than I expected so there was a real sense of pride by the end of the day.

“It was really good. and it was a big thing for me once I realised how many people had attended.

“I got quite upset and it was quite overwhelming about the support that people give each other.”

Around 200 people went to the funday and over £1,600 has been raised for We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, run by The British Red Cross Society.

Mr Malpass said: “The idea is to give money to the bereaved families and the counsellors who have given psychological help.

“It is for those who have lost somebody as well as those who have been mentally affected.

“The reason I am supporting this charity is they are helping people who have been psychologically harmed.

“I see a regular counsellor and it is not embarrassing or anything to be ashamed of.

“If people need to get help like that then they should not feel as though they can’t.

To donate visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/shaun-malpass1