A FOOTBALL tournament in memory of Lewis Mullan has been organised by his friends.

Pals of the popular 23-year-old hope the five-a-side event will raise cash for Mr Mullan's family to build a monument for him.

One of the organisers of the event, Jimmy McCann, said he has been stunned by the support he has received.

Mr McCann, aged 24, said: "We're inviting anyone who wants to to come down and play - it's all for Lewis and just to raise money.

"When I put the status up on Facebook I thought there would only be a few people making an effort, I didn't realise how big it would go.

"I've got loads of support and so have the other people involved."

The tournament has been organised for Saturday, January 17 from 1pm to 4pm at the University of Worcester's astroturf.

It will take place exactly a week after an event celebrating Mr Mullan's life at Diglis Field, which is on Saturday (January 10) at noon.

So far, more than 500 people are confirmed to be attending the event, which will see balloons and lanterns released.

Mr McCann said he is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of former Nunnery Wood High student Mr Mullan.

"Lewis was the kindest lad I've ever met," he said.

"He was always so polite and no-one could ever say a bad word about him.

"Lewis would just want everyone to get together.

"We just wanted to raise money for his family so they can maybe get a bench or a plaque.

"It still doesn't feel real - it's just like a bad dream and I think we're all still waiting for him to come and ask what we're doing."

It costs £5 to play and anyone who wants to watch is asked to put in a donation.

Anyone hoping to enter a team can either do so on the day or by visiting the 'Lewis Mullan Memorial Football Tournament' group on Facebook.

*West Mercia Police are continuing to appealing for witnesses who may have information about Mr Mullan's last movements.

He was last seen getting out of a taxi at the Commandery petrol station in Sidbury at 3am on Christmas Day.

Anyone who was in the Diglis area around that time and may have seen him is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 438S of December 25.