A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy devastated by the suicide of his teenage brother has been joined by his cousin to launch a wristband to promote the Samaritans.

The children, who came up with the idea following the death of 19-year-old Daniel O'Hare on Easter Monday, have the full support of their community.

Residents of Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, have rallied round and have already raised £6,000 towards the wristband project.

Daniel's brother, Matthew Smith, and his cousin Sarah O'Hare, 12, hope 20,000 wristbands will be produced, with the help of the Samaritans.

The charity hopes to enlist the support of the region's top football teams as well as local teams.

The green and white band will carry the Samaritan's slogan If U Care Share.

Matthew said: "I just wanted something good to come out of what has happened. I do not want anyone else to go through what I have been through."

Sarah said: "We wanted to help other people so they know they have someone to talk to.

"I thought a wristband would be a good way to get the message across because lots of people wear them."

Her mother Julie Garner said Daniel had not left a note and there was no warning or understanding of what happened.

She said: "Daniel loved football and was very family orientated and had lots of friends. Everyone was devastated.

"This project has been a focus for the children and something positive to come out of his death.

"The generosity of the people that we know has been phenomenal."

Some of the money towards the project, £2,000, was raised by a collection at Daniel's funeral.

A football match between Lumley Football Club and the former Park View School football team - Daniel's old team - raised £4,000 on Monday.

The line-up included former Newcastle player Billy Askew and former Sunderland players John Kay and Kevin Ball.

Samaritans North-East marketing officer Suzanne McIvor said: "This will be one of the largest publicity campaigns ever launched by us in the North-East.

"Money raised through the sale of the wristbands will be used to raise awareness among young men that there is help available."

An inquest into Daniel's death has been opened and adjourned.