FAMILY and friends of knife victim Paul Rodgers helped raise hundreds of pounds for his four children by holding a pool tournament in his memory.

A total of 64 players entered the two-day tournament, held at Terry's Nitespot in Trowbridge over the weekend, in honour of the 32-year-old who died in May from a single stab wound to the heart.

Mr Rodgers' half-sister, Margaret Joyce, raised hundreds of pounds through a raffle, rallying round dozens of traders in Melksham and Trowbridge to collect prizes.

Younger brother Wayne, 30, took part in the two-day tournament, in which a handful of players wore suits as a mark of respect to the father-of-four.

More than £700 raised during the weekend event will go into a trust fund for Mr Rodgers' four children, who can access the money when they turn 18.

Mr Rodgers was a well-liked pool player in Melksham and Trowbridge and went on to represent his country at international level.

Tournament organiser Russ Matthews, of the Trowbridge and District Pool League, took over the chairman's role from Mr Rodgers in 1977.

Brother Wayne Rodgers, who works as a long-distance lorry-driver, said Paul would have been proud of the event.

He said: "There was probably about 150 people who turned up altogether.

"Russ organised the event really well. There was no trouble it all went smoothly.

"There was a minute's silence for Paul and you could have heard a pin drop.

"Everyone knew the reason they were there. My sister Margaret did an amazing job sorting out the raffle."

Mrs Joyce, of Philip Close, Melksham, said her work colleagues at Jones' Night and Day shop in Forest Road were among a host of people helping to sell raffle tickets.

She said: "It all fell into place. We had enough sponsors come in to help us out.

"People were just handing over money for the children.

"A few people were talking about their memories of Paul.

"We are not looking forward to the trial next month but we will get through it as a family.

"The minute's silence was touching."

Pool league members also donated £50 towards flowers for Mr Rodger's grave.

Trowbridge player Mike Eddy was crowned tournament winner after beating Matt Morris in the final.

Trowbridge-based RPB Executive Travel sponsored the winners' trophies, while LJR Transport and Jones' Day and Night helped sponsor the event.

Leigh Page, 29, of Magnolia Rise, Trowbridge will appear at Bristol Crown Court on April 22 charged with Mr Rodgers' murder.

Page was remanded in custody after the incident in Broadcloth Lane in the early hours of May 5.