A Chippenham pub is to hold an auction to raise money in memory of three teenagers who died in a crash on New Year’s Eve.

The Fortune Inn, in Sheldon Road, Chippenham, is hosting an auction to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Since the New Year’s Eve crash that killed Jamie Walker, 17, of Hatherell Road, Frankie Bowyer, 16, of St Teresa’s Drive and George Forester, 17, of Tudor Close, friends have been raising money for the air ambulance.

Currently, the total stands at more than £10,000 in just over a week, with £2,000 raised during a football match played between Chippenham and Marlborough’s U18 teams.

Andrea Wood, whose daughter knew the boys, is helping to co-ordinate the evening on February 12.

“It’s hit everybody really hard across the community,” she said. “We just wanted to find a way to get together and raise as much as we can.

“We’ve been going round all the shops to ask people to contribute something for the auction, and people have been so generous.”

The pub can seat about 150 people, although there is room for around 100 more.

Lizzie Gleeves, who works at the Fortune Inn and whose daughter also knew the boys, said: “It’s been such a heartbreaking time for everyone and we wanted to do something positive.

“I think this accident has had ripples across Chippenham and we felt it was important to do something good for a charity. People throughout the town have been really receptive when we’ve been asking them to donate something to the auction, and we’ve only had one place not interested in donating so far.”

However, donations from businesses in the area are still needed for the auction, and staff from the Fortune Inn are appealing for shop-owners to come forward with goods.

Shops including Halfords, B&Q, Boots and Curry’s have given items to be auctioned off already, such as a sat nav, a hairdryer and perfume.

There will also be a raffle on the night.

To donate to the auction, or for more information, contact the Fortune Inn on (01249) 661382.