A FUNDRAISING appeal set up by the family of young Melksham meningitis victim Kieran Smith has topped £20,000.

An annual dance in memory of the 20-year-old electrician's life was held at Melksham House on Friday with revellers helping to raise more than £2,000 for the Meningitis Trust.

Parents Sue and Michael Smith, of Rowan Court, said they are "staggered" at the amount raised and cannot believe the support they have received from people and businesses in Melksham.

Town traders including Clarkies Hair Salon, Flowers in Focus, Spencer's Sports and Social Club and Nortree Motors provided raffle prizes for the dance draw which was sponsored by Mr Smith's firm, Larkin Construction.

Former George Ward School pupil Kieran died in October 2001 after developing a deadly strain of meningitis.

Since the tragedy his family have been tirelessly raising money in his memory for the Meningitis Trust.

Mr and Mrs Smith have visited the trust's headquarters to see how the money raised is used.

A fundraising night held at The Pickled Pilot pub in Bowerhill last month raised £860. Melksham wrestler Stuart Natt, known as The Eliminator, also helped boost the fundraising for his former school friend by raising £465 through Christmas parties and town wrestling bouts.

Fish and chip shop The Fisheries raised nearly £50 through a collection pot at its Union Street takeaway and a theatre trip to Bristol organised by family friend Graham Hedges raised £149.