The family of a boy who died aged 14 are planning a concert to raise money for the hospital unit which battled to save his life.

Jon Douglas was a popular pupil and keen footballer, whose sudden death following a three-week illness stunned his family and friends at Cockfield near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Now they are organising a Stars in Their Eyes night to raise at least £2,000 for the paediatric intensive care unit at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.

Jon's mother, Barbara, of Model Terrace, Cockfield, said: "Staff in the unit were magnificent as they fought to save Jon's life. They could not have done more.

"We have already given some donations, but now we hope to raise a really big sum at the concert, so the unit can buy equipment that may save the lives of other young people."

The event, at Tindale Crescent Working Men's Club, in West Auckland, on Saturday, December 10 - shortly before the first anniversary of Jon's death - is being organised by Mrs Douglas and her brother-in-law, Denis McGuinness of Cockfield, a well-known local singer.

Tickets for the concert, which will be presented in the style of the TV show, are on sale at £2.

Mr McGuinness said: "All those taking part are doing it as a tribute to Jon. He was a lovely lad, who was always doing things to help others."

Jon died from chronic granulamatous, a rare genetic disorder which meant his body was unable to resist a lung infection he picked up clearing leaves.

Mrs Douglas, who, with husband John, has six other children, said: "We hope our efforts will help others with the same problem."

The couple have already donated Christmas and birthday money, plus raffle proceeds, to the hospital. Pupils of Staindrop Comprehensive School, which Jon attended, sent over £200 after holding a fashion show.