A NEW tradition looks to have been born after a festival to toast the memory of a Dilton Marsh resident who was killed in a motorbike accident was a huge success.

Stuart Lange, 38, was involved in a collision with a car in Clink Road, Frome, on July 1, 2016, and one year and one day on from that fateful day, several thousand people turned up to the inaugural Langefest on Sunday, to celebrate his life.

The festival, organised by a group of his motorcycle friends, included a climbing wall, bouncy castle, laser quest, more than 60 stalls, a craft tent, live music and more than £4,000 was raised for the April Jones Trust, a charity that helps children in need, schools and youth clubs, and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

At 10.30am, family members got the day underway after saying a few words about Mr Lange, before waving the flag to let nearly 160 riders head out on a motorcycle rideout across the county, to pay tribute to him.

One of the organisers and close friend, Simon Boon, said: "It was the perfect way to celebrate how much Stuart meant to us all. His family loved it and I am sure he would have been deeply humbled that so many turned out on the day.

"It was an emotional day but it was one that really could not have gone much better. I was gobsmacked by the sheer numbers. A lot of work went into this, so it was great that it smashed our expectations.

"The rideout we had was brilliant. Lots of people who knew him came but also loads of people just joined us for a wonderful ride. He would have loved it, I am sure about that.

"The feedback we have received so far has been staggering. I think this could be the start of something very special. So many stall holders have asked if they can return for next year and people have said they will spread the word about it for next time so I guess we have no other choice but to bring it back next year. As far as debuts go, this was a fantastic one.

"It has been a massive team effort and I want to thank all the businesses, the marshals, the stall holders and everyone else for making this day an unforgettable one."

Fundraising from the event, which took place at Frome Rugby Club, is expected to rise as the organisers are still counting the amount that was raised.