A MOTORBIKE enthusiast killed in a horrific road crash in Melksham is remembered every year at a special fundraising event.

Family and friends have raised thousands of pounds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance in memory of 36-year-old Paul Hanks.

He died in March 2001 after losing control of his bike on the A365 at Bowerhill, near Melksham.

Following on from the success of last year's garden party, which raised more than £1,600, another event was held in Kington St Michael, near Chippenham, on July 27.

Mr Hanks' aunt, Trish Crowder, of Sandridge Road, Melksham, said: "It was too early to do something in the year he was killed but his wife wanted to do something the following year in his memory. It all took off from there."

Mr Hanks, of Chepstow Close, Chippenham, died from both internal and chest injuries.

The popular 36-year-old, who worked in the despatch department at Cooper-Avon tyre factory in Melksham, left his wife Karen, and two children, Lucy and Daniel.

Mrs Crowder said: "It was just very, very sad. He was very popular."

More than 100 people attended this year's event held at Kington Manor, raising £1,814. Although Mr Hanks was in people's thoughts the fundraising was also for another member of the family.

Mrs Crowder's dad, George Snelson, died in June aged 88, after a short illness.

"He was a very keen supporter of the air ambulance and left money to them in his will. He would have been thrilled to bits with the total we raised," said Mrs Crow-der.

"It was absolutely amazing. People were already asking about next year's event.

"We had some wonderful support from local companies who supplied raffle prizes.

"Paul's dad works at Whitehall Garden Centre and it supplied tables and chairs."

The air ambulance is funded completely by charity donations and Mrs Crowder presented a cheque to the charity two weeks ago.