A TRUST fund set up in memory of student Robert Stephenson has already raised about £12,000.

The 21-year-old, who was from Pickering, died after being struck by a taxi on a night out with friends in York on March 26.

His family set up the Rob Stephenson Trust will help young people pay for club tours or for reading material at college and university.

His parents, Patrick and Nicki, and older brother, Sam, said they had been overwhelmed by the love and support that had been shown to them from across the local community.

Mr Stephenson said people had been more than generous with their donations to the Rob Stephenson Trust which will use the motto Laugh, Learn, Live and Play.

"We must say a big thank-you to the local rugby clubs, including Driffield, Pocklington and Malton and Norton who have given so generously, as well as the numerous individuals," said Mr Stephenson.

He added: "We want to give other youngsters the same opportunities our son had to get involved with team sport, which in turn opens doors and gives the enrichment to become a caring and willing member of society."

Rob, who was a rugby player with Malton and Norton Rugby Club and a cricketer withThornton-le-Dale Cricket Club, was in the third year of an agriculture degree at Newcastle University, with honours in agronomy.